Europe holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra
Across Europe, aluminium extrusion has become closely woven into some of the region’s biggest industrial and construction markets. From automotive and transport to buildings and industrial applications, extruded profiles are finding demand across a wide range of sectors. This is reflected in Europe’s position in the global market: the region accounted for 12 per cent of global aluminium extrusion capacity, making it the second-largest regional contributor after China. At the same time, Europe represented 10 per cent of global aluminium extrusion usage, out of total global usage of 35.35 million tonnes . With production capacity and usage shares relatively close, Europe’s extrusion capacity and consumption are broadly at par. If we break down Europe’s 10 per cent share of global aluminium...
H1 2026 sees more renewable energy than ever: Here’s a region-by-region guide to renewable energy supply in the recent past
In the first half of 2025, humanity generated more electricity from renewables than from coal for the first time ever. What led to it? It was possible only because of two decades of falling solar panel prices, taller wind turbines, and governments finally treating clean power like an economic opportunity instead of a favour to the planet. But the renewable energy scenario cannot be portrayed as a single global story. To get the full picture, one has to connect dozens of regional stories moving at wildly different speeds. Some countries are already powered almost entirely by sun, wind and water. Others are still warming up. Here is a tour of how renewable energy supply looks across the world’s regions right now, and who is actually leading the charge. The global scorecard: Renewable energy...
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An analytical comprehension of the MSCI ACWI IMI Aluminium Index
The MSCI ACWI IMI Aluminium Index — a narrow, commodity-dependent equity yardstick that tracks 19 aluminium-sub-industry companies across developed and emerging markets reads like a textbook case of high concentration and high cyclicality. Since its launch (back-tested to May 31, 2007), the index has delivered episodic, large upside followed by brutal drawdowns, and today’s market tells the same story: stronger recent returns on the back of a much lower valuation multiple than the broader global equity market, but materially higher volatility and concentration risk. Image for representational purposes only Also read: Aluminium Alloyed, non-alloyed & scrap: India’s downstream aluminium H1 2025 trade Recent performance: strong short-term returns, volatile long-term picture Over the 12...
The quiet rise of Vietnam in aluminium: Bauxite, smelters and growth paths
As the global demand for aluminium continues to surge, Vietnam is stepping up as a vital player in the supply chain. With its rich bauxite reserves and increasing production capabilities, the country is becoming an attractive hub for investors and manufacturers looking for reliable and cost-effective sources of this lightweight metal. As the competition for aluminium supply heats up, Vietnam's emerging role in transforming trade flows in the aluminium market is certainly catching the industry's eye. Bauxite reserves and subsequent mining developments Vietnam, boasting an impressive 5.8 billion tonnes of bauxite in 2024, as per the data of the USGS. The country ranks as the second-largest holder of bauxite in the world, right after Guinea. These reserves, mainly found in the Central...
WEEKLY: China's spot alumina prices soften further after holidays
According to Mysteel's latest survey, the 44 Chinese alumina producers regularly monitored by Mysteel produced a total of 1.9 million tonnes of metallurgical-grade alumina during the week of October 3-9, up by a marginal 0.2 per cent from the previous week. Domestic alumina output remained largely stable during the holiday break, with most producers maintaining everyday operations, the survey found. Although average profit margins among the 44 surveyed refiners fell sharply by 14.5 per cent on week to RMB 135.4 per tonne (USD19 per tonne) during the survey week, many producers were generally cautious about scaling back production during the holiday as the year-end signing period for long-term alumina supply contracts was approaching, Mysteel Global learned. On the demand side,...
MONTHLY: Chinese alumina prices to weaken further in Oct
Alumina supply surplus weighed heavily on its prices throughout September. By September 30, the national average price of metallurgical-grade alumina with more than 98.6 per cent purity fell by a marked 6.5 per cent from a month earlier to RMB 3,010 per tonne (USD 422 per tonne), continuing a downward trend that began on September 2, Mysteel's daily price assessment showed. Although alumina output saw a slight retreat in the past month, the overall market supply remained at a high level. Total production of smelter-grade alumina among the 44 Chinese producers regularly tracked by Mysteel dropped by 1.7 per cent on month to 7.7 million tonnes in September, while the figure was still 12.7 per cent higher on year and marked the second-highest monthly output since the survey began in January...
When going green becomes the new profit curve for aluminium. Or does it?
The aluminium industry sits at a stark juncture where demand tied to the energy transition is set to surge. But is it a viable choice, bearing the short-term and long-term impact? Industry projections point to roughly an 80 per cent rise in aluminium demand by 2050, while the sector itself remains an outsized emitter, with direct emissions concentrated in primary production and global sector emissions measured in the order of gigatonnes. Meeting downstream demand for “green” metal while slashing the sector’s own footprint is not optional: it is an existential commercial imperative. The choice facing producers is binary in economic terms. Invest now, absorb large up-front costs and capture a durable price and capital advantage; or delay, preserve short-term margins and face growing...
MONTHLY: China's thermal coal may gain steam on tighter supply, winter demand
China's spot market for thermal coal is entering October on a firmer tone, as tightening supply coincides with a seasonal recovery in demand. This follows a volatile September, when a spurt of restocking by utilities drove a short-lived price rally, Mysteel noted in its latest monthly report. Throughout September, thermal coal prices at northern transfer ports fluctuated widely. Mysteel had assessed the benchmark 5,500 kcal per kg NAR thermal coal at RMB 694 per tonne (USD 97.4 per tonne) FOB northern ports with VAT on September 1, but by September 12 cooler temperatures and rising hydropower output had curbed coal consumption at utilities, causing prices to gradually decline to RMB 681 per tonne. Prices then rebounded to RMB 709 per tonne on September 24 amid restocking demand ahead of...
Century Aluminum’s sustainability blueprint for a carbon-free tomorrow
As the aluminium industry faces growing environmental pressure, top companies globally are taking every step possible to unlock more sustainable solutions. And this is where Century Aluminium, a prominent producer of primary aluminium, has taken up initiatives of not just reducing carbon footprint but also improving the efficiency of the company and thus unlocking a more sustainable future for the industry. To begin with, in 2024, the US-based company took significant steps to align its operations with sustainability objectives, highlighting Century's dedication to responsible production, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Let's take a closer look at how sustainability is being embedded into the company's operations. Certifications & sustainable frameworks A key part of Century's...
Fastmarkets proposes CBAM cost integration into aluminium P1020A premiums
Fastmarkets, the price reporting agency whose assessments underpin the London Metal Exchange’s (LME) physical aluminium trade, has proposed incorporating the cost of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) directly into the aluminium P1020A benchmark premiums for Italy and Spain. The move, set for implementation from January 1, 2026, could redefine how carbon costs are priced across Europe’s aluminium supply chain. The consultation paper, released in early October 2025, details that CBAM costs would be integrated into the existing aluminium P1020A premium assessments — MB-AL-0316 (Italy) and MB-AL-0319 (Spain) — reflecting logistics, warehousing, regional demand-supply balances, and prevailing duty costs. Image for referential purposes only The consultation period...
South America's bauxite-giant Brazil now bets big on critical minerals with policy push and rising investments
From being a bauxite-rich nation to now positioning itself as a potential global powerhouse in critical minerals, Brazil stands at the crossroads of industrial opportunity and sustainable development. Nestled in South America, Brazil ranks first in niobium, second in rare earths, graphite and iron ore, third in manganese and nickel, fourth in bauxite, and sixth and seventh in zinc and lithium. For bauxite alone, it boasts of having 2.7 billion tonnes of reserves, with output of around 30 to 33 million tonnes per year (until early 2020s), yet still has large geographical locations rich in these minerals untapped. The total mineral reserves in Brazil are over 34 billion tonnes as of 2022. Vast resources yet modest output The problem with Brazil is it lhas huge reserves where output is not...
China issues 2025-2026 action plan to drive growth in non-ferrous metals sector
Resource development and recycling A core priority of the plan is to strengthen resource development and utilisation. Strategic initiatives will target breakthroughs in the exploration of key minerals such as copper, aluminium, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and tin. Regions with favourable conditions will be encouraged to establish renewable resource recycling bases, while efforts will be made to enhance the utilisation of non-ferrous metal scraps, particularly for copper and aluminium. High-end innovation The plan highlights innovation in high-end metal products to meet demand from key industries such as information technology and electric vehicles. It especially calls for advances in ultra-high purity metals, copper alloys, precious metal functional materials, high-end rare earth materials...
2025: US tariffs & economic challenges drive 4% drop in aluminium aerosol can deliveries to America
The first half of 2025 has been challenging for the aluminium aerosol can industry. According to the International Organisation of Aluminum Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL), global deliveries by its members fell by 1.7 per cent, reaching approximately 3.3 billion units, compared to the same period in 2024. This marks a significant downturn compared to the same period in 2024, when global deliveries grew by 4.4 per cent, surpassing 3.4 billion units. The decline in 2025 is largely driven by weak demand in the cosmetics sector, especially in the deodorants and hairspray segments, which have traditionally accounted for the largest share of aluminium aerosol can deliveries. Get industry insights from - ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics Regional Performance:...
US and Brazil edge toward tariff truce as both economies feel the heat
The White House and Planalto Palace are inching toward détente after months of trade friction that has left industries on both sides bruised. A half-hour video call this week between US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opened the first door toward thawing relations since Washington hit tariffs on Brazilian imports this summer. Image for representational purposes only (Source: AI Tool) Also read: EGA considers strategic takeover of Brazilian aluminium producer CBA In Monday’s call, which has been described by both sides as “friendly and positive”, Lula persuaded Trump to roll back the 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian goods, calling for a return to the original 10 per cent level and the lifting of sanctions on certain Brazilian officials. “It was...
Can Swiss aluminium stay competitive despite energy headwinds and fluctuating trade?
The Swiss government is actively backing key players as they navigate rising energy costs, focusing on boosting domestic production and promoting energy-efficient, recycled aluminium solutions. Even with challenges like skyrocketing electricity prices and fluctuating exports, Switzerland’s aluminium sector is proving its resilience, innovation and strong commitment to achieving its green transition goals. Switzerland's powering up its aluminium game Switzerland is putting a spotlight on the aluminium industry, recognising the metal's incredible versatility, sustainability and its vital role in various high-value sectors. Aluminium is prized for its lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion and its impressive recyclability, making it a key player in energy savings and the country's green...
Oceania’s aluminium and alumina output declines amid refinery closures and energy pressures
Oceania’s aluminium and alumina industries are navigating a period of transition. Refinery closures, rising power prices, and shifting global markets have reshaped output across the region. Australia remains at the centre of this activity, continuing to supply much of the world’s bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. Between 2023 and 2025, aging infrastructure, cost pressures, and softer market conditions have gradually weighed on production. Even so, producers are investing in modernisation, environmental improvements, and digital upgrades to make operations more efficient and resilient for the long term. Daily aluminium output holds steady From January to June 2025, Oceania produced 923 thousand tonnes of aluminium, down 1.8 per cent from 940 thousand tonnes in the same period of...
EU-India FTA talks enter 14th round: CBAM and tariffs loom over aluminium, steel and broader trade deal
All eyes are on the fourteenth round of EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, scheduled on Monday, October 6, in Brussel, as it promises to build stronger ties of trade and economy between India and the European Union. However, there are a few challenges that have been hindering the deal to reach its ultimate goal. This time, EU Ambassador Herve Delphin has, however, assured that the bloc is committed to delivering a mutually beneficial deal, noting that the EU-India trade partnership holds critical importance at a time when tariffs and market access barriers dominate global discourse. He has also pointed out that in this challenging situation, EU-India economic ties stand apart, with EU companies generating a total annual turnover of 86 million euros in India, which is...
CODIT flags tariffs strain on South Korea, whose aluminium export growth starts faltering from 62% to 25%
US tariffs have had a serious adverse impact on Korea as the country’s economy leans heavily on exports to the American market. The strain is already visible in the country’s trade performance, with export growth slowed to 3 per cent Y-o-Y, down from 5.8 per cent in July. Although that marked the third consecutive month of growth, it was the weakest in the streak, underlining the impact of Washington’s trade barriers. A new study by the CODIT Global Evidence-Based Policy Institute, “U.S. Imposes 50% Tariffs on Aluminum and Copper: Strategic Responses for Korea,” underscores the structural vulnerabilities of Korea’s non-ferrous metals industry, valued at KRW 57 trillion (USD 40.5 billion) and dominated by small and mid-sized companies. The study finds that aluminium and steel form the...
US semi-fabricated aluminium imports drop in H1 2025 under tariff and demand pressures
Semi-fabricated aluminium products (plates, sheets, and bars), recorded a slowdown in imports into the United States during the first half of 2025. According to the latest data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the decline reflected subdued demand from downstream industries and the sharp rise in tariffs that raised import costs. Semi-fabricated aluminium imports fell 617,000 tonnes in the first half of 2025, down 2.2 per cent from 631,000 tonnes a year earlier. Monthly inflows reflected mixed trends. In January, imports jumped to 125,000 tonnes from 98,400 tonnes a year earlier, an increase of 27 per cent. February shipments rose 3.4 per cent year-on-year to 101,000 tonnes from 97,700 tonnes. March also posted growth of 3 per cent, with imports rising to 98,600 tonnes from...
August sees record global alumina production, contributed by the Americas and Africa & Asia (ex-China)
Echoing the last year’s trend, the world metallurgical-grade alumina production in August 2025 recorded a month-on-month rise, touching an all-time high. Notably, the output neared 12.5 million tonnes, with daily average production above 400,000 tonnes. The monthly production stood above 12 million tonnes earlier in July, March, and January of this year, but daily output above 400K occurred for the first time ever. However, it is to be noted that although the production in August followed last year’s M-o-M growth trend, the rate of expansion was marginally below the 1.54 per cent achieved in August 2024. According to the data shown by the International Aluminium Institute, the world alumina production in August 2025 stood at 12.495 million tonnes, led by daily average output of 403,100...
