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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H1 2025: Top 5 trends to watch in the global aluminium value chain
The first half of 2025 marked a turning point for the global aluminium industry, arguably its most turbulent period in recent memory. The trigger was the United States’ imposition of steep tariffs on aluminium imports, a move that set off ripple effects across global supply chains. What began as a trade policy measure quickly escalated into a broader disruption, reshaping cross-border trade dynamics, injecting volatility into global aluminium prices, and diverging demand patterns from primary aluminium to aluminium scrap. Supported by stable supply chains, prices within a reach of USD 2,200 per tonne, and tariff exemptions, the demand for scrap has attained a new high. Thailand emerged as a new hotspot of aluminium demand, fuelled by its expanding automotive manufacturing sector, and thus...
WEEKLY: Chinese thermal coal prices lose steam as seasonal demand wanes
Chinese domestic thermal coal market closed last week (August 25-29) on a bearish note, as demand diminished seasonally despite lingering supply constraints. On Friday, Mysteel assessed 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at RMB 695 per tonne (USD 97.5 per tonne) FOB northern ports with VAT, down RMB 7 per tonne from the previous week. Prices for 5,000 kcal/kg and 4,500 kcal/kg NAR grades also slipped RMB 18 per tonne and RMB 22 per tonne to RMB 615 per tonne and RMB 540 per tonne, respectively. Last week, chilling weather dented household power demand in North China, leading to a notable decline in coal consumption at utilities. But temperatures in the southern and eastern regions remained high, which, coupled with weak hydropower generation, continued supporting coal burns at high levels,...
Primary aluminium production growth slows down in July’25 – energy crisis behind it
July has historically been the strongest month for primary aluminium production, and 2025 was no exception. Global output exceeded 3.8 million tonnes, a month-on-month increase of 3.17 per cent. Although this marked a record high, the growth rate was slightly weaker than the 4.07 per cent recorded a year earlier. In total, global primary aluminium production reached 6.373 million tonnes in July, lifting year-to-date (YTD) output to 42.724 million tonnes, up 1.3 per cent from 42.177 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. The pace of growth, however, was slower than the 3.83 per cent rise during January–July 2024. Oceania & China behind the momentum dip While evaluating what dampened the momentum, a series of causes popped up. One among them was increased production costs due to surging...
FORECAST DATA: US & Europe slowed, Asia-Pacific's aluminium future shot to frontline
Asia-Pacific, where labour is affordable, setup costs of plants are cheaper and regulations are more friendly for business owners and stakeholders, have grown to become the focal point of the aluminium industry in the past decade. But what seems like a regional jump is a fruit of longstanding geopolitical blips and economic volatility. From culture to couture, production to market capture, the west has led the game for centuries. But as we approach the half of the ongoing century, a single question nags the mind. Why is the east now replacing the west (for aluminium or not)? And the answer is simple — availability beats class. Image source: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ Also read: From €15.6B to €2.8B: Eurozone’s June trade surplus collapses under tariff pressure US economic fallout...
From Nothing to iPhone – Top 5 smartphone brands using aluminium in H1 2025
As the years are passing, ALuminium is not only evolving as a metal but also becoming a hero that is making a comeback with a bang. From the surface of the moon to the inside of a smartphone, the metal with the atomic number 13 is redefining strength, sustainability and innovation in our world. Talking about comeback, one such example is the iPhone, about which we will discuss in detail a little later in the article. Now comes the question – WHY ALuminium and not any other metal? In today’s digital world, a smartphone is so much more than just a gadget; it’s an extension of our lives. The right phone isn’t just about flashy looks or clever folding tricks; it’s about finding that sweet spot where power, design, and comfort all come together. It should dazzle when you want it to, perform...
AL Circle x Elliot Mari: The journey of aluminium towards decarbonisation, 25% of low-carbon target achieved and way to go
In conversation with Elliot Mari, a Technical Lead for material industries at the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), wherein he has shed his insights into the aluminium industry's decarbonisation journey. He has several years of experience working on industry decarbonisation roadmaps with a focus on the cement, steel and aluminium sectors in France. Elliot also worked as a reservoir engineer at Oil & Gas major TotalEnergies in Angola. He holds a Master of Engineering Science from the Ecole Centrale de Nantes in France and a Master of Sustainable Energy from the University of Queensland, Brisbane. AL Circle: What notable progress has the global aluminium industry made in its decarbonisation journey so far? How does the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) contribute to the...
Imports surge, premiums fall: Brazil’s aluminium industry faces new rivals
Brazil’s aluminium industry is under pressure from overseas suppliers after recent tariff changes. India’s largest producer Vedanta has been sending more metal into Brazil, increasing shipments to local buyers. Traders also reported that Russia’s top producer, Rusal has also entered the market with small trial sales. Traders also noted that Rusal, Russia’s top producer, has entered the market with small trial sales. A trader said, “I have been hearing a lot of rumours about Rusal’s approach. I heard that it had already made some sales and the cargo was about to arrive, and they would do a test [of the material].” Alumar, one of Brazil’s largest smelters, confirmed the shift, “The Brazilian market has attracted the attention of various producers, which increases competition,” a...
German power cost up even with 75% solar capture! Europe’s aluminium runs with 78% renewable
Europe’s renewable boom has a two-faced economy. On long, bright, windless days, it floods grids with cheap or even negative-priced power; when the weather turns, capture prices, as in the money actually earned by wind and solar assets after weighting by when they produce, recover sharply. That swing is not academic for aluminium. The metal’s primary production is among the industry’s hungriest electricity consumers, and swings in capture and wholesale power prices cut straight to smelters’ margins, investment plans and decarbonisation pathways. S&P Global’s Platts Renewable Energy Price Explorer shows exactly this dynamic playing out through mid-2025. Solar and wind output across Europe’s five largest markets rose about 10 per cent year-on-year in July, but output eased from June’s...
Guinea edges toward 199M tonnes of bauxite exports amid refining gap
Guinea is tightening its grip on the global bauxite trade, shipping record volumes even as its own alumina refining sector lags far behind. According to sources, Guinea mined about 123 million tonnes of bauxite in 2023, up from 103 million tonnes the year before. Exports grew even faster, jumping to 127 million tonnes—a year-on-year rise of nearly 25 per cent. The momentum carried into 2024. Output rose to roughly 141 million tonnes, while exports reached 145 million tonnes, cementing the West African nation’s place as the world’s largest exporter. The surge has continued this year. In just the first half of 2025, Guinea shipped 99.8 million tonnes, almost as much as its entire 2022 total. For a broader view of the global bauxite market click: A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue -...
Germany leads global aluminium foil exports in 2025 while China falls out of top 5
As per UN Comtrade data, Aluminium foil (whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard. plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2mm saw a notable reshuffle between 2024 and 2025. From January to May 2025, Germany led the market with a trade value of USD 770 million and an export of 117.14 thousand tonnes, followed by Italy at USD 362 million and 61.69 thousand tonnes, the USA at USD 308 million and 56.09 thousand tonnes, Turkiye at USD 265 million and 61.29 thousand tonnes, and Japan at USD 245 million and 27.64 thousand tonnes. In contrast, during January to May 2024, China dominated the market with USD 1,476 million and an export of 479.44 thousand tonnes, while Germany stood second at USD 621 million and 117.17 thousand...
Between revolving funds & Russian oil: India’s energy security remains hostage to geopolitical churn
India’s energy transition is not a linear march from coal to renewables. It is a high-wire act where efficiency, geopolitics, and industrial decarbonisation collide. From the creation of a revolving fund for energy efficiency to the scramble for discounted Russian oil, and from solar and hydrogen pushes to aluminium’s green makeover, the country’s choices are shaping both domestic industry and global trade flows. Image source: JMK Research Revolving capital, not one-off grants At the heart of India’s efficiency strategy is the Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund (EERF), seeded with USD 13 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Managed by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the fund deploys capital into efficient motors,...
India-UK FTA sparks aluminium growth but CBAM threatens to reverse it
India’s free trade agreement with the UK is expected to be a big win for aluminium exporters, as it will remove the import duties. But there is also a catch. From January 2027, the UK will bring in its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — a tax linked to carbon emissions. Industry executives warn this could claw back much of the benefit, leaving Indian producers struggling to keep prices competitive in the British market. Role of FTA The FTA eliminates import duties on aluminium products, which previously ranged from 2 per cent to 10 per cent in the UK market. Industry players expect this change will improve India’s competitiveness. Vedanta Aluminium Chief Executive Officer Rajiv Kumar said, “With the FTA now in place, the aluminium industry aims to treble its export to the UK by...
AL Circle x Alfiniti: Aluminium tubing innovation through precision, sustainability, automation & strong customer collaboration in evolving industrial markets
Steve James (also published as Richard S. James) is Managing Director of Alfiniti, Inc., steering the company’s aluminium-tubing operations to strong operational and financial results. A veteran of aluminium extrusions, heat-treated sheet and plate, and casthouse processes, he has driven growth and turnarounds across automotive, HVAC, aerospace, and distribution markets worldwide. Known for clear manufacturing plans and accountable teams, Steve focuses on delivering sustained value for customers and stakeholders alike. AL Circle: Alfiniti has carved out a unique niche in aluminium extruded tubing. How do your proprietary expertise and vertical integration give you a technological or competitive edge in today’s evolving industrial landscape? Steve James: We spend a lot of time upfront with...
Is Tesla’s robotaxi dream slipping away—or just getting started?
Tesla’s vision for an autonomous, robotaxi-powered future is as controversial as it is ambitious. For some, it signals the next big leap in mobility; for others, it’s a risky bet dragging down Tesla’s numbers and its stock. The ripple effect even touches suppliers like aluminium manufacturers. The robotaxi idea isn’t new. It first appeared in Tesla’s “Master Plan Part Deux” back in 2016. By 2019, Elon Musk was boldly predicting a million robotaxis on the road by 2020, but that target went unmet Between 2020 and 2024, Tesla rolled out its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta. It got attention, but true autonomy remained elusive. Then came a big splash in October 2024: the Cybercab, a vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals, pitched as Tesla’s purpose-built robotaxi. The production is expected...
NEA: China's power consumption in July hits record high
China's electricity consumption surged to an all-time high of 1.02 trillion kilowatt hours (kWh) in July, up 8.6 per cent compared to the same month last year, according to data from the National Energy Administration (NEA). The record – mainly driven by scorching heatwaves across China and the country's resilient economic activity was also the first time any country's monthly power consumption surpassed the 1-trillion-kWh threshold, market analysts noted. Notably, China's household power consumption jumped 18 per cent on year to 203.9 billion kWh in July as summer heatwaves blanketed much of the country, which nearly doubled from 129.1 kWh a month earlier, the NEA data showed. Household power use in major provinces such as Central China's Henan province, Northwest China's Shaanxi...
US primary aluminium imports rise during Jan-May 2025 despite Canada’s slump; UAE and India step in to fill the gap
According to the latest data from the US Geological Survey, the United States’ aluminium crude metal and alloys imports increased over the year during January-May 2025, even as shipments from Canada - the country’s top supplier - declined. The data highlights two key trends: (1) Canada retained its position as the leading exporter despite a drop in volumes, and (2) the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stepped in to offset the shortfall, driving overall import growth. Canada holds lead but volumes erode From January to May 2025, Canada exported 1.02 million tonnes of aluminium crude metal and alloys, compared to 1.17 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting a Y-o-Y decrease of 12.8 per cent. To be noted, Canada’s primary aluminium exports to the US remained...
US aluminium faces shutdowns and tariff pressures as Canada expands exports
US aluminium exports keep shrinking. In the first half of 2025, volumes plunged to 562.17 thousand tonnes down from over 804.67 thousand tonnes a year earlier, same period. It continues the downward trend from 679.20 thousand tonnes in H1 2023 and 593.52 thousand tonnes in H1 2022, as reported in the Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025 by the US Geological Survey. In H1 2024, the main destinations for US aluminum exports were Malaysia, Mexico, Canada, India , and Thailand. By H1 2025, the top markets shifted to Japan—leading with 66,000 tonnes of unwrought aluminum alloy—followed by India, South Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam. This sharp fall underscores a worsening crisis in the US aluminium industry, driven by a combination of factors such as smelter and refinery shutdowns, rising energy...
LME aluminium inventory's truth: Numbers up, but metal missing!
The aluminium markets have just seen another twist in what’s become a long-running stocks carousel. But this time, the spin may be nearing its end. As reported by Reuters on August 20, over the past six weeks, a hefty 156 thousand tonnes of aluminium found its way into London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses. Yet, this wasn’t fresh metal entering the system. It was almost exclusively a reclassification of existing off-warrant supplies already stashed away in Port Klang, Malaysia. Image for representational purposes only So, when you read ‘reclassification of existing off-warrant supplies’, it means the metal was already physically sitting in the warehouse (say, Port Klang in Malaysia). But it was being kept off the books in private storage deals. Now, some of that same aluminium has been...
