US produced 339kt aluminum in H1 2026: Can new projects change the outlook?
The US aluminum industry, through its troubled journey over the past four decades, has been holding on to its remaining active smelters to maintain domestic aluminum production. However, its production figures reveal how little ground it has regained. Stability has been a strong suit, with 339,000 metric tons produced in H1 2026, yet matching the volume recorded in H1 2024. With domestic primary production still constrained, the focus is shifting to whether the Century Aluminum’s Mt Holly restart and the proposed Oklahoma primary aluminum smelter can turn modest gains into a sustained supply revival. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ”...
Germany exports 86% of TRIMET’s aluminium production despite 1.84Mt domestic demand from automotive, packaging & extrusion industries
Germany’s last remaining primary aluminium producer, TRIMET Aluminium SE, has a combined nameplate capacity of approximately 540,000 tonnes per year across its German and French smelters. Yet Germany exported 466,756 tonnes of unwrought primary aluminium in 2025, equivalent to 86.44 per cent of that combined capacity. Exports reached 501,678 tonnes in 2023 and 449,590 tonnes in 2024, while shipments totalled 273,080 tonnes between January and July 2026. The comparison presents an intriguing picture of Germany’s aluminium industry. Despite having a limited primary smelting base, the country continues to export hundreds of thousands of tonnes of unwrought aluminium annually. At the same time, it imported 2 million tonnes of primary aluminium in 2025, more than four times its exports. Why...
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China's alumina imports decline 40% YoY in June
Alumina imports of China declined 117,200 mt MoM and 40.01% YoY to 223,300 mt in June, according to customs data. Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) attributed the decline to two factors- a. prices for domestic alumina fell faster than imported alumina due to growing supply, making the former more attractive; b. depreciation of yuan against US dollar. Smelter cuts which had been happening since last week if continues may pull the prices further down in the near term, industry sources said. There have been talks of planned smelter cuts in the past month on the back of long prevailing weak domestic aluminium prices, with an estimated 600,000-700,000 mt/year of capacity expected to be reduced in the short term. But till now, only one Beijing Xinheng Group owned smelter in Qinghai province has...
UC RUSAL announces second quarter 2015 operating results
UC RUSAL, a leading global aluminium producer, announced its operating results for the second quarter 2015. Key highlights: Total aluminium output amounted to 908 thousand tonnes (+0.8% QoQ and +1.1% YoY in 2Q15). The company maintains production discipline in accordance with the previously provided guidance. Sales volumes in 2Q15 amounted to 880 thousand tonnes (-5.1 % QoQ). Decrease in sales volumes in 2Q15 resulted from the higher than normal sales in 1Q15 when shipment delays caused by port weather conditions in October to November 2014 were compensated. The average realized price went down 7.7% QoQ to USD2,124/tonne in 2Q15 driven by lower London Metal Exchange (“LME”) cash price and declining physical premium across key export markets. RUSAL volume of alumina production remained...
Vedanta’s innovation task force at work on next big idea
Senior managers at Vedanta have been meeting every quarter over the past one year to discuss new ideas and exchange notes with chief executive Tom Albanese on the next possible big innovation at the natural resources conglomerate. The executives are members of the 'innovation task force' which has a clear brief to increase the number of patent filings and bring down the cost of production by using disruptive technology. The task force, chaired by Albanese and comprising of five other senior officials, is supported by a dedicated team working at each location to promote creative and innovative culture across the group, the company said. "Anil Agarwal is very focused on the importance of exciting young engineers thinking outside the box and be seen to be using disruptive technology,"...
Alba launches "Beat the Heat" campaign- a unique strategic CSR initiative
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C (Alba), one of the world’s leading aluminium smelters, underlined its long-standing commitment to employees’ safety with the launch of its new campaign titled “Together we can beat the heat” on Thursday, July 23, 2015. The campaign’s opening ceremony was attended by Alba’s CEO - Tim Murray, other Executive Management and Chairman of Alba Labour Union - Ali Al Binali along with other representatives of Alba Labour Union. An initiative by Alba’s Management, this campaign aims to improve safety awareness amongst the employees and minimise heat stress related injuries by focusing on four main steps: know the symptoms, drink water regularly, use the cooling cloth and take frequent breaks. This campaign will include several visits in the coming few weeks by members of...
Charge 2016: Plug updated with aluminium frame, carbon fork and wider tyres
The Plug has been a staple of the Charge Bikes lineup since 2006 when it was an iconic bike in the London fixed wheel craze, before evolving, and merging with the Filter, to become a range of mostly disc-equipped road bikes. For 2016 the Plug gets a major update. A new aluminium frame is used across most of the range, with a new titanium model spearheading the lineup, and carbon fibre forks and tyre widths increased to 38 and 42mm. Last year’s Plug, with a steel frame, fork and disc brakes, was well received. Stu really got on well with the Plug 4 last year when he reviewed it. Charge are keen to point out that the remit of the Plug isn’t to be a road racing bike, it’s aimed at commuters and those wanting an adventure type of bike. It would also be an ideal touring bike as well especially...
CRL- U.S. Aluminum expands its office partitions line with 487 Series Integrated Slider
New Slider Combines a Contemporary Profile with Added Functionality for More Dynamic Office Space Designs. CRL-U.S. Aluminum's line of office partition systems gives architects, interior designers, and glazing contractors the ability to design and build customized office spaces that combine utility with modern aesthetics. To continue with this tradition, the company is proud to introduce the 487 Series Integrated Slider, the latest addition to the 487 Series Office Partition family. The new slider will debut at GlassBuild America, September 16-18 in Atlanta. The 487 Series Integrated Slider is unique in that it comes equipped with an integrated top-hung sliding system that saves valuable floor space compared to conventional pivoting systems. In addition, fully framed doors enhance...
CMRA Convention 2015: Ningbo facility tours for delegates scheduled
The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Recycling Metals Branch (CMRA) has announced the program for its November 2015 convention, including several facility tour options in or near the host city of Ningbo, China. Throughout the event, which takes place Nov. 7-11, delegates can sign up for tours of facilities, including visits to: Ningbo Jintian Copper (Group) Co. Ltd.; Parco Industriale Italiana in Cina; Ningbo Jinshan Import & Export Co. Ltd.; Ningbo Zhanci Metal Industry Co. Ltd.; and Fu Yang Shen-Neng Solid Waste Recycling Co. Ltd. The 2015 CMRA Annual Convention begins on November 7 with the opening of the registration desk and an evening welcome reception. The event’s exhibition hall is open on November 8 and 9. Among the topics scheduled to be discussed in sessions taking...
Malaysia not Australia is now China’s Number 1 bauxite supplier
Malaysia has replaced Australia as China’s top bauxite supplier, taking up 46% of China’s total bauxite imports in June. SMM’s attributes China’s growing appetite for Malaysian bauxite to its price appeal. Import price of Malaysia bauxite averaged $46.19 per tonne in June, 16.6% lower than Australian ore and 22.12% lower than Indian ore. However, imports from Malaysia might fall in July since shipment in the country has slowed significantly due to ongoing Ramadan. Ships are lining up at Kuantan port, waiting to departure, SMM learned from traders in China. China imported 4.04 million tonnes of bauxite in June, up 38.02% year-on-year. Imports in H1 totaled 22.57 million tonnes, also up 15.62% from a year ago, customs data showed.
Prices unlikely to draw support from aluminium production cuts
"More aluminum smelters have joined recent wave of production cuts, bringing total idled aluminum capacity in China to 1.83 million tonnes since late last year, SMM’s latest statistics showed. Will aluminum prices draw support? Capacity expansions and slowing consumption will pressure aluminum prices for the rest of the year, SMM’s aluminum research team said. Another 1 million tonnes of aluminum capacity might be shut down later this year, SMM estimates. The lost production, however, will be more than offset by coming online of over 2 million tonnes of capacity in H2. Besides, aluminum consumption in H2 is expected to be weaker than in H1 since aluminum semis exports might not be as strong as in H1, another drag on the light metal. " Aluminium fell 0.14 per cent to Rs 104.80 per kg in...
Century Aluminum permanently closes Ravenswood, WV plant
Ending a years-long battle with public officials, former employees and utility companies, Century Aluminum announced at 8 p.m. July 27 it will permanently close its Ravenswood, WV plant, effective immediately. The Ravenswood smelter had been idled since February 2009, putting 650 employees out of work. The company eventually eliminated health insurance coverage for its retirees after the closure. “The decision to permanently close the Ravenswood plant is based on the inability to secure a competitive power contract for the smelter, compounded by challenging aluminum market conditions largely driven by increased exports of aluminum from China,” Century’s statement reads. “As a result, the economics of restarting and operating the facility are unfavorable.” WV Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin issued a...
Ma’aden to host Arabal Conference in the Kingdom next November
The Saudi Arabian Mining Company, Ma'aden, which owns the largest and most efficient vertically integrated aluminium complex in the world, is hosting the 19th International Arab Aluminium Conference, ARABAL in November 2015. Featuring international participation, the conference is scheduled to take place from 15-17 November 2015 at the Dhahran International Exhibitions Center in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While the conference will focus on" the integration of the upstream and downstream aluminium industry across the GCC", it will also discuss topics related to the future of the global aluminium industry, promoting cooperation between producers and consumers, in order to achieve the common objectives of the participants in this gathering and the aluminium industry...
NALCO eyeing new oversees market to offset falling aluminium prices
With domestic and global market for metal witnessing sluggishness, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navaratna central public sector unit, is looking at exploring virgin markets for its products on foreign soil, besides attempting to increase its footprint in mining sector. “It is difficult period for ferrous and non-ferrous industries. As high as 60 per cent of these industries have reported loss worldwide. Despite prevailing unfavourable conditions, NALCO has been maintaining profitability. We need to tide over the situation by way of reaching out to new and virgin markets,” said T. K. Chand, who took as the full-time Chairman and Managing Director of NALCO, here on Monday. “The domestic aluminium market appears to be saturated. Expanding market network involves high cost....
China aluminum semis exports hit 6-month high in June as disguised exports soar
China’s aluminum semis exports surged 46.43% year-on-year to 410,000 tonnes in June, customs data showed. Disguised exports of aluminum - shaped as aluminum semis and re-melted at destination to become a substitute for primary metal – were behind the significant growth, SMM’s aluminum research team said. Extrusion exports hit 163,000 tonnes in June, soaring 133.87% year-on-year and 68.04% month-on-month, customs data showed. Nearly 100,000 tonnes of aluminum extrusion was exported to Vietnam and Malaysia, which might be transhipment points for so-called “disguised Chinese aluminum semis” that will ultimately land elsewhere.
Ras Al-Khair's aluminium strongpoint drawing global automakers
Several international transport companies specialized in automobiles, aircraft and rail cars are planning to establish new assembly plants in Ras Al-Khair Industrial City. The development comes in the wake of the success achieved by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) in increasing its production and imposing global competition in the production of aluminum ore, which is a fundamental nucleus in different means of transport, as well as everyday consumer products, such as foil, pots and cans. Maaden has provided all facilities and support to achieve the aspirations of local and international companies to establish strategic alliances in this regard to activate its plans and benefit from aluminum savings in the Kingdom and work on the establishment of transformative industrial...
S.Africa's Hulamin H1 profit drops 34 pct
South African aluminium products maker and marketer Hulamin Ltd on Monday reported a 34 percent drop in first-half operating profit due to electricity shortages and planned maintenance. Africa's most advanced economy is the midst of its worst power crisis and is struggling to keep the lights on as its aging fleet of power stations becomes more unreliable. Hulamin had earlier warned that disruptions were impacting production. Hulamin reported basic and diluted headline earnings per share of 25 cents and 24 cents respectively for the first half ended June 30, compared with 41 and 40 cents per share a year earlier. Headline earnings per share is the key measure used in South Africa and strips out certain one-off items. In April, the company said it expected first-half earnings to drop by 44...
Nalco may include mining in its diversification plans
State-run National Aluminium Co is mulling over the idea of exploiting its core competence of mining to offset the fall in prices of aluminum. Nalco's new chairman and managing director, TK Chand, who met Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday, is also hoping that the company can soon mine the 75mt Potangi bauxite deposit reserved for it since 2007. Chand said he is hopeful that Nalco can beat the trend by pushing products with higher realisation and tapping newer markets, such as East Africa. In his earlier role as director, commercial, of Vizag-based public sector undertaking RINL, Chand had opened new markets such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania for RINL's steel products. In 2014-15, Nalco more than doubled its net profit and announced a turnover of Rs 7,771 crore, its highest...
"Considering the steady GDP growth in India, I expect the aluminium industry growth rate to go up to 7 to 8% in near future," Mr. Satish Pai, Deputy Managing Director and CEO, Hindalco Industries, India
Mr. Satish Pai is the Deputy Managing Director and CEO of the Aluminum Business, India, Hindalco Industries. Mr. Pai is responsible for setting strategic vision for the Aluminum business of Hindalco in India. He also provides operational leadership in order to build sustainable competitive strengths and enhance shareholder value. AlCircle had the opportunity to speak to him during The 19th International Conference on Non-Ferrous Minerals and Metals in Bhubaneswar. He shared with us his outlook for the aluminium industry in India and Hindalco's strategy to overcome the current low phase in aluminium. An Excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: You are here to promote aluminium, the future metal for India. How would you justify this position for the industry considering the present low phase...
GM's Chevrolet and Ford wage pickup wars over aluminum
The pickup wars have broken out again. Ads from General Motors' (GM) Chevrolet are attacking rival Ford's (F) innovative aluminum-body F-150 pickup as too costly and too slow to repair. In online ads -- one of which features National Football League hall of famer and broadcaster Howie Long -- Chevrolet suggests that aluminum isn't as strong as steel and that insurance costs are probably higher for the aluminum F-150. In a previous round of the pickup wars, Chevrolet ran a Super Bowl ad with Chevy truck owners having survived an apocalypse, but their friend wasn't so fortunate because he had a Ford pickup. Ford went to court for a cease and desist order. The Ford F-series pickups, traditionally the best-selling vehicles in America, have continued to outsell the Chevrolet Silverado in the...
