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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Inside the US-India trade talks: any breakthrough on aluminium and steel tariffs?
Note: This is an AI-generated image for respresentational purpose All eyes are now fixed on the trade dialogue between India and the United States that kicked off on June 26. The stakes are high—not for a full-fledged trade deal, but for an interim agreement that could shift the course of escalating tariff tensions. The clock is ticking, as July 9 marks the end of the 90-day suspension period of Donald Trump’s retaliatory 26 per cent aluminium tariffs announced on April 2. Over the past three months, both nations have engaged in a flurry of bilateral exchanges to resolve the tariff deadlock, particularly surrounding aluminium and steel. India even took its grievances to the World Trade Organization, challenging Washington's move as blatant protectionism disguised as trade policy. Yet, all...
India’s aluminium revolution: A sixfold surge by 2047
At the International Conference on Sustainable and Responsible Mining, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy unveiled the Aluminium Vision Document, signaling a strategic shift in how India views and manages one of its most vital industrial resources. Framed within the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the roadmap lays out an ambitious plan to increase aluminium production nearly sixfold by the country’s 100th year of independence. Despite being the world’s second-largest aluminium producer, India currently contributes only 6 per cent to the global output, underscoring a significant gap between capacity and potential. The new vision aims to bridge this gap not just by scaling production but by transforming aluminium into a central pillar of India’s sustainable development model. Building...
Bauxite map 2024: Country-wise reserves and production metrics unveiled
As the global aluminium market braces for a new phase of industrial transition, driven by decarbonisation, electric mobility, and infrastructure growth, the mineral fuelling this surge is quietly building geopolitical weight. Bauxite, the primary ore for aluminium, is showing a reshaped reserve landscape in 2024, with fresh data from AL Circle's research highlighting strategic concentrations that could redefine global supply chains. As of 2024, five countries dominate the global bauxite landscape by reserve volume: Guinea, Australia, Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia. Together, they account for over 66 per cent of the world’s total reserves. However, when juxtaposed with actual production output, the picture becomes more complex. Global snapshot: 29 billion tonnes and counting As of 2024,...
US aluminium tariff 2025: Latest updates, trade figures and partner responses as July 9 approaches
As the July 9 deadline approaches, the US trade partner countries are looking to initiate deals with the Trump administration for tariffs to snap back to higher levels. Moreover, more than 100 partners are expected to see a "reciprocal" rate of 10 per cent in the coming week, where the possibility of emerging flurry deals materialises before the deadline hits. Image source: customssuport.com Stand of the Chinese trade partners Currently, the US has eased the export restriction on China for conducting business with chip design software and ethane, indicating a calming trade tension between the two countries. This ease had come into being after signing an agreement in May, concluding a framework directing larger trade deals. US-based software firms like Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence (CDNS)...
“We are extremely concerned by the sharp rise in scrap outflows driven by the fact that aluminium scrap is not subject to the same tariffs as other aluminium products, which are now subject to 50 per cent,” Kelly Roegies, Senior Communications Manager of the European Association
The AL Circle Team recently interviewed Kelly Roegies, Senior Communications Manager of the European Association, wherein she provided an overview of the current landscape of the European aluminium industry, highlighting the effects of US tariffs. In addition, she discussed the potential aluminium scrap crisis due to the US tariff exemptions on scrap imports, while also offering solutions to curb excessive outflow from the continent. According to her, the growing fear of losing scrap from Europe is justified. To know more of her insights and opinion, read the full interview below: AL Circle: Could you provide an overview of the current state of the European aluminium industry, particularly with regard to production levels, market demand, and overall consumption? Additionally, how have the...
Trump’s aluminium tax vs US beverage sector: Corona beer maker, Constellation Brands, lashes out
Constellation Brands, the beverage behemoth behind Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico, has publicly held Donald Trump’s reinstated aluminium tariffs responsible for its underwhelming Q1 2025 financial performance. And in doing so, it has flung a spotlight on a long-simmering trade policy issue with serious implications for the global aluminium packaging industry. For the first time in years, aluminium has moved from the quiet corners of the commodities trade into the earnings calls of Fortune 500 giants. Image for representational purposes only The company’s executive team revealed that aluminium tariffs will cost them an estimated USD 20 million in earnings this fiscal year alone, shaving 20 basis points off profit margins. The USD 20 million aluminium shock Constellation’s Q1 earnings missed...
India-UAE advance aluminium and steel bilateral trade pact – CEPA at the core
At a time when global bilateral trade relations face mounting uncertainty, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are moving into a new alliance centered on premium aluminium and steel. According to a report on July 2, Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and UAE Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri met as part of a high-level engagement to advance India-UAE cooperation under the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) framework. The meeting was focused on joint development of high-grade aluminium and steel, which are vital for India’s growing automobile and strategic sectors. “We see clear synergy in jointly producing and trading high-quality steel and aluminium for use in sectors such as automobiles, mobility, and high-end manufacturing,” Shri Kumaraswamy said while...
US and Europe secure rare earth deal with China, pushing India to prioritise domestic production expansion
China’s move to restart rare earth exports to the US has eased pressure on American industries after nearly two months of restrictions. While some European firms have also secured limited export licenses to avoid production disruptions, India despite being a major importer of Chinese rare earths has not been granted similar relief. Image Source: ip-quarterly/Thorsten Kirchhoff China’s export ban, imposed on April 4, 2025, as a response to US tariffs, disrupted global access to critical rare earth materials such as scandium. Though used in small amounts, scandium is vital for producing high-performance aluminium-scandium alloys, which play a key role in electric vehicles, electronics, and defence industries. China’s Ministry of Commerce said, “China will approve the export application of...
Maharashtra aims for 30% EV by 2030! Confidence boosted as India ramps up production and trade
The Maharashtra government has unveiled an ambitious plan to make electric vehicles (EVs) account for 30 per cent of all vehicle registrations in the state by 2030. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who emphasised the need for sustainable mobility solutions amid growing urban congestion and rising fuel costs. The state’s vision has been formalised in the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, which introduces a series of financial and structural incentives to accelerate EV adoption across sectors. Image for referential purposes only To encourage early adoption, the policy offers a range of benefits, including road tax and registration fee exemptions, interest-free loans, and direct purchase subsidies. In fact, the country’s first 45-horsepower...
EU's China-focused anti-dumping measures to expire soon: Will it extend past 2026?
As of July 1, 2025, the European Commission has fired the starting gun on what could be one of the most consequential trade decisions for the European aluminium industry in recent years. The Commission has issued an official notice of impending expiry for the anti-dumping duties currently levied on aluminium extrusions imported from the People’s Republic of China. In turn, the retraction can conceivably trigger a sharp recalibration of regional manufacturing strategies and market dynamics. Image for representational purposes only Unless a formal review request is submitted by EU producers before the end of 2025, the anti-dumping measures will lapse at midnight on March 31, 2026, as stipulated in Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 and documented in Notice C/2025/3573, published in the Official...
World primary aluminium production grows in May, with China, Africa, and North America touching 5-month high
According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the world’s primary aluminium production in May 2025 trended up over a month, mirroring the pattern observed in the same period last year—but with a sharper pace of growth. While in May 2024, the world’s output had grown by 2.22 per cent month-on-month, this year, it increased by 3.3 per cent. From 6.044 million tonnes in April 2025, global output rose to 6.245 million tonnes in May, while the same period in 2024 had seen a climb from 5.913 million tonnes to 6.151 million tonnes. Thus, on a year-on-year calculation, the production volume in May 2025 was 1.53 per cent higher than in the same period of the earlier year. Nations with a 5-month high output – China leads, but how long? The production increased worldwide, but in some...
China’s aluminium push in Indonesia faces naval land objections
The Indonesian Navy has expressed strong objections to the planned USD 4.9 billion alumina refinery on Singkep Island in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province. Image for referential purposes only The project is being developed by China’s Tianshan Aluminium through its local subsidiary, Tianshan Alumina Indonesia, and has been granted National Strategic Project (PSN) status under the government’s mineral downstreaming agenda. The navy’s concerns stem from the project’s proposed location, which overlaps with a 400-hectare military training zone that has long supported operational readiness. The area has hosted major defence exercises, including the US-led Super Garuda Shield and joint amphibious drills with Australian forces. Navy spokesperson First Admiral Tunggul stated that the site remains...
Guinea's bauxite Q1’25 exports up 39% amid licence cancellations. China leads in demand!
Guinea's bauxite exports witnessed a 39 per cent surge in Q1 2025, valued at 48.6 million tonnes, despite ongoing setbacks concerning the cancellation of the licenses of major operators. The majority of Guinea's bauxite in Q1 2025 was exported to China, where aluminium production further recovered, already reaching 18.59 million tonnes in the first five months of 2025. The current bauxite industry of Guinea According to the SMM report, Guinea's bauxite sector has received significant attention in recent years, with production reaching almost 137 million tonnes annually, alongside mining and infrastructure projects. Substantial contributions to this effort were made by Kebo Energy SA, GAC, EGA, Arrow Minerals, and Trans-Guinean Railways. Shortly, the Guinea military-led government began to...
“We are optimising portfolio and cutting costs in response to prolonged downstream market weakness,” Anders Vindegg, Norsk Hydro
Over the past few months, a series of announcements from Norsk Hydro may have given the impression of a brand in retreat. Hiring freezes, production curbs, and plant closures painted a picture of contraction. Yet, at the same time, the company was rolling out plans for fresh investments and capacity expansions. If the intent was restraint, why pursue growth? And what, ultimately, is Hydro’s long game? To get a clearer understanding, we conversed with Anders Vindegg, Head of Media Relations at Norsk Hydro. With patience and clarity, he addressed our questions in detail. Here’s what we have learned: AL Circle: Over the past six months, Norsk Hydro has implemented a temporary hiring freeze, announced plant closures, and introduced curbs in production. Could you walk us through the rationale...
Africa’s hidden geodata loses billions of mining investment for the continent
In a continent where 40 per cent of the world’s natural resources lie beneath the surface, only 30 per cent have been thoroughly explored. But the challenge isn’t just geology. It is in its governance. More specifically, it’s the invisible curtain shrouding Africa’s geological survey data that may be deterring billions in potential investment. Image for referential purposes only (Source: https://www.bruker.com/) At the recent London Indaba, Mark Cutifani, Chairperson of Vale Base Metals and a mining heavyweight formerly at Anglo American, struck a chord during his opening keynote, as he shared, “Malawi is the first, and I believe Nigeria is the second.” He wasn’t talking about mineral production, infrastructure milestones, or new critical mineral discoveries. He was referring to a...
India’s exports hit $824.9 billion in FY25, but aluminium drops 10.79%
Despite India’s exports reaching a record USD 824.9 billion in FY 2024–25, aluminium exports declined sharply by 10.79 per cent, revealing sector-specific challenges amid an otherwise strong trade performance. Image for representational purposes only According to the Ministry of Commerce, total exports grew 6.01 per cent year-on-year, rising from USD 778.1 billion in FY 2023–24, driven primarily by robust growth in services and non-petroleum merchandise exports. The overall surge in India’s exports was supported by a 13.6 per cent rise in services exports, which reached a record USD 387.5 billion, and a 6 per cent increase in non-petroleum merchandise exports, which hit an all-time high of USD 374.1 billion. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the resilience of Indian...
US beverage can makers shift to recycled aluminium to counter tariffs and stabilise supply chains
The US beverage can industry aims to offset its manufacturing cost inflation by using recycled aluminium, which is exempt from the 50 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel. By using recycled aluminium, the entire industry would shield nearly 70 billion cans, an industry valued at USD 36.95 billion in 2024, from potential financial threats and loss. Recently, the Trump administration has applied a 50 per cent tariff on imports of consumer packaged goods made from aluminium and steel, creating a robust tension among manufacturers. However, this created a nudge towards using recycled aluminium for beverage can packaging. US beverage can production According to the IMARC report, the aluminium beverage can production in the US in 2024 was 155.8 Billion Units and is expected to reach 209.7...
Benson’s aluminium recycling debate: A case for awareness over alarm
A proposed aluminium recycling plant in Benson, USA, has stirred deep concerns among local residents, who fear the facility might lead to environmental harm, noise pollution, and water overuse — if not immediately, then in the long run. While the anxieties are understandable, especially given the plant’s location near residential areas, experts suggest these concerns might be rooted more in misinformation than in facts. Image source: IndiaMART The plant, led by Aluminum Dynamics, aims to recycle used beverage cans, which is symbolically an initiative to benefit the environment.“Aluminium is 100 percent recyclable. It’s infinitely recyclable, and we want to take advantage of that and keep these cans out of our landfills,” said Glenn Pushis, President of Aluminum Dynamics, in a statement...
