German downstream aluminium exports fall 13% in H1 2026 but US enters top 5 with 228.1% import surge
Germany’s downstream aluminium export map underwent a noticeable shift in H1 2026. Shipments to the world fell, with most of Germany’s traditional European customers taking less aluminium downstream product. Yet, amid that broad retreat, one market moved in the opposite direction: the United States. German downstream aluminium exports to the world fell to 897,773.19 tonnes in H1 2026 from 1 million tonnes in H1 2025, a decline of 13 per cent year on year. The contrast was particularly sharp in the US market. American imports of German downstream aluminium reached 68,061.61 tonnes in H1 2026, up 228.1 per cent from just 20,743.62 tonnes in H1 2025. The increase of more than 47,000 tonnes was enough to push the US into Germany’s top 5 destinations for the first time. The export map is...
Caustic soda plant setup in India: How aluminium growth is reshaping demand, costs and opportunities
Caustic soda may not be the most visible ingredient in aluminium production, but without it, the journey from bauxite to alumina would look very different. The chemical, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a crucial reagent in the Bayer process, where it helps dissolve alumina-bearing material in bauxite and separate it from impurities. The dissolved material is then processed to recover alumina, which ultimately feeds aluminium production. That makes caustic soda more than just another industrial chemical. Its availability, price and efficient use can influence the economics of alumina refining and, by extension, the wider aluminium value chain. As India expands its alumina and aluminium capacity, the requirement for this chemical is also becoming increasingly important. For companies...
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CIMA signs MOU with Emirates Global Aluminium
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world’s largest professional body of management accountants, today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) – the 5th largest primary aluminium producer in the world. As per this agreement, EGA employees will now be able to enhance and up-skill their knowledge and understanding in the fields of business, finance and accounting through CIMA’s globally recognised professional qualification. The CIMA qualification not only enhances EGA employees’ career prospects in a fast-paced business environment. It also equips them with an all-around business knowledge that qualifies them to work in a wide variety of roles inside and outside the finance function. The ability for EGA employees to work across...
Court of Appeal upholds London Metal Exchange appeal against High Court ruling
UC RUSAL, a leading global aluminium producer, notes that the Court of Appeal has upheld the London Metal Exchange’s appeal against the High Court judgment of Mr Justice Phillips. Today’s ruling by the Court of Appeal overturns the judgment of Mr Justice Phillips who ruled that the LME’s original consultation and subsequent proposed rule change were unlawful. He held that fairness required the LME to consult on alternative options and, in particular, the option of banning or capping warehouse rents. RUSAL continues to believe that the LME’s consultation process was procedurally unfair, resulting in a decision which was neither fair, nor proportionate. Accordingly, it will be seeking permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s judgment to the Supreme Court. The Company is disappointed by...
Improved recycling performance for aluminium closures
Due to improved collection and recycling in various European countries the average aluminium closures recycling rate is now at 45 per cent. Aluminium recycling saves up to 95% energy use compared to its primary production, with the corresponding savings in greenhouse gas emissions. It can be recycled over and over without any loss of quality. Aluminium closures are mainly used for wine, spirits, water and olive oil. The advantage of aluminium closures is that they can be collected either together with the mixed packaging fraction or along with the glass collection stream. The aluminium is easily extracted from both material streams so that it can be recycled. “Aluminium closures are probably the world’s most recycled closures in the wine and spirits sector.”, comments EAFA‘s Executive...
Alcoa reports strong third quarter 2014 profits as portfolio transformation delivers
Lightweight metals leader Alcoa today reported a surge in third quarter profits as the Company’s repositioning continues accelerating. Alcoa is aggressively transforming its portfolio by building out its multi-material value-add businesses to capture profitable growth and by creating a lower cost, globally competitive commodity business. 3Q 2014 Highlights: · Net income of $149 million, or $0.12 per share; excluding special items, net income of $370 million, or $0.31 per share, up sequentially and year-over-year · Revenue of $6.2 billion, up 7 percent sequentially, up 8 percent from prior year period · Engineered Products and Solutions delivers highest after-tax operating income in history of $209 million, 18th consecutive quarter of year-over-year after-tax operating income improvement;...
Durga Puja at Utkal Alumina plant site draws thunderous applause
With the perfect combination of stage decoration and laser lights, lavishly decorated puja pandals adding to the festive mood and roadside delicacies that one can experience only at the fairs and ceremonial events puja pandal at Doraguda based Utkal Alumina plantsite filled with thunderous applause throughout the five day long Durga Puja celebration beginning from Sapthami till Vijaya Dashami. The puja pandal was drawing thousands of devotees to witness the grand celebration of Durga Puja. The Maha Navami Puja at the Durga Puja Ground of Utkal Alumina was organized in presence of huge gathering . Chandi Path, Homo, Aarti and Puspanjali observed with devotion. Unique cultural extravaganza - a fabulous display of classical, folk and contemporary dances by renowned artists from all over...
DVA’s High Pressure Knife Gate Valve sleeves replace OEM sleeves after extensive site trials
High pressure knife gate valve sleeves from Dual Valves Australasia (DVA) were used to replace OEM rated sleeves recently at an alumina refinery in Western Australia. The WA alumina refinery replaced a number of their 21 Bar rated OEM push-through style knife gate valve sleeves with sleeves from DUAL’s high pressure knife gate valves following comprehensive site trials that reported a tenfold increase in lifespan to date when using DUAL’s DHPSKG sleeves. According to Justin Mirto of Dual Valves Australasia, the client’s 21 Bar rated OEM knife gate valves were consistently failing after only four weeks in operation in the worst reported applications. The refinery then decided to extensively trial a number of their knife gate valves retrofitted with DUAL’s DHPSKG sleeves after DVA confirmed...
Study can help miners assess bauxite exposure
Most occupational diseases among miners cannot be treated or reversed. In order to help these miners be wary of the health hazards, National Institute of Miners' Health (NIMH) has conducted a first-of-its-kind study to identify three biomarkers, or cell components, that can help assess the level of bauxite exposure. They have also been able to conclude the level of exposure that becomes harmful for the health of the person. In perhaps the first study of its kind, scientists of NIMH studied the effects of bauxite exposure on around 300 miners from three different open cast mines. Under the project titled, 'Systematic study of potential biomarker of occupational diseases in bauxite miners', they studied biomarkers like Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), Neopterin and Parathyroid hormones (PTH). It was...
Clariant and Omya to partner for aluminium finishing market
Swiss specialty chemicals firm Clariant has entered into an exclusive partnership with Omya for the European aluminium finishing market. As per the deal, Clariant will dedicate its aluminium laboratory capacity for key developments in its performance- and process-boosting product range for consumer goods, cosmetics, automotive, sport, and architectural market segments, as well as general technical recommendations and performance reviews. Omya is focusing primarily on marketing and customer support, with a dedicated team of experts backed-up by a state-of-the-art aluminium technical service with excellent anodising laboratory facilities which are also used for client training. Andreas van Baerle, Head of Sales Aluminum Finishing for Omya, said, “We have built extensive experience in...
Morgan Stanley releases its aluminium predictions for coming year
The increasing use of aluminium in the automobile industry and continued rationed production has led Morgan Stanley to predict a higher aluminium price for the next year, up by 8 percent. In a recent report, Joel Crane suggested that in 2015 the industrial metal will rise to $2,072/mt, while the forecasted rise for this year is 3 percent at $1,893/mt. The average LME price for this year has been around $1,870/mt. The lightweight, industrial metal has had an exceptional year seeing a rise of 8.6 percent with increased demand and producers outside China cutting down their supply to stabilize the years of surplus. The surplus which is a recorded 620,000 tons in 2014 will simmer down to 310,000 tons in 2015, then to 280,000 in 2016 and finally leading to a deficit of 230,000 tons as per the...
Hydro takes a stand at the Aluminium 2014 fair
More than 950 exhibitors from 50 nations are taking part in this week's Aluminium 2014 World Trade Fair & Conference, which is expected to attract around 25,000 visitors. “Lightweight, corrosion-resistant and infinitely recyclable, aluminium is becoming an increasingly important building block of modern society and modern life,” says Svein Richard Brandtzæg, Hydro's president and CEO. Together with senior executives Hilde Merete Aasheim and Oliver Bell, he is present at the fair to meet customers on Hydro's stand. With a PhD in inorganic chemistry, few industry leaders in the world are as enthusiastic about the inherent properties and benefits of aluminium as Svein Richard Brandtzæg. “From energy-neutral buildings, to fuel-efficient cars, to mobile phones and tablets – aluminium plays an...
ISRI Operations forum to provide in-depth education on safe & efficient scrap recycling
Registration is now open for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries’ (ISRI) 2014 Operations Forum, to be held November 13-15, at the Charlotte Marriott City Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The forum is a must attend event for those responsible for the safe and efficient operation of scrap recycling facilities. The Operations Forum serves as a mini-convention with programming to help recyclers design, maintain, and operate more efficient facilities. Attendees of the Operations Forum can arrange an educational itinerary that best meets their needs. The sessions are based on four tracks: • Shredder Operations—For employees working directly with shredders and for those seeking a better understanding of materials flow in the yard; • Material Handler Operations and Maintenance—For...
Fata Aluminum signs cooperation agreement
Fata Aluminum, a leading company in the global market for Automated casting systems for cylinder heads, blocks, pistons and Sand Regeneration systems with companies in the US, Italy and Mexico, and Eco Sand a leading company in the Brazilian market for no-bake system, sand handling and reclamation systems have signed a cooperation agreement. The target is to develop the market for Sand Regeneration through a flexible agreement that allows Eco Sand to utilize Fata Aluminum technology to localize all the manufacturing of the Sand Regeneration equipment for the no–bake systems and develop in partnership all the equipment for the green Sand Regeneration systems. Martin Wright CEO of Fata Aluminum and Jose Roberto de Souza MD of Eco sand believe that the combination of Fata technology,...
XanCan makes aluminum beverage cans with textured sidewalls
XanCan(TM), a U.S. based company, today announced the launch of its textured aluminum beverage cans (patent pending). Changes to the aluminum beverage can have been minimal at best, since its birth. The concept of texturing the sidewall of beverage cans is both innovative and revolutionary. The XanCan(TM) breathes new life into an old favorite. “Our goal is to revolutionize the canned beverage industry with packaging that puts the ‘fun’ back into functional,” says Dormini Mangum, CTO of XanCan. “XanCan are ideal for all beverage types: from beer and soft drinks, to iced teas and energy drinks. With endless pattern possibilities, beverage companies can stimulate any marketing campaign and create that competitive edge.” Most canned beverages, beer and soda alike, are best enjoyed cold. Once...
Vedanta embarking on doubling alumina refining capacity in Odisha
Azad of the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti said the authorities at the public hearing didn't record the tribals' objections and neither did it meet other norms for such hearings. What Azad and other critics of the project, such as Amnesty International, ask is where will Sesa Sterlite get the bauxite needed to feed the plant's expanded 6 mt capacity? Dave pledged that the company wouldn't move to mine the Niyamgiri bauxite deposit unless there was local support. But activists aren't convinced that the two processes still aren't linked. Documents on the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) site still refer to the deposit that's 3.7 km from the plant site. Sesa Sterlite says it's counting on its 2004 agreement with Odisha Mining Corp. for the supply of 150 mt of bauxite committed under...
Portland aluminium smelter encouraged by ALP's RET exclusion pledge
The operator of the Portland aluminium smelter has applauded the Federal Opposition's move to exclude the sector from Renewable Energy Target (RET) negotiations. The Federal Government and Labor are in negotiations over the future of the 20 per cent by 2020 renewable target. Aluminium smelters are already partially exempt from the target but the Opposition has agreed to fully exempt the sector from the RET. The Portland facility employs more than 500 people and exports more than $500 million worth of aluminium to Asia annually. Operator Alcoa says the target significantly impacts its international competitiveness. Australian Aluminium Council executive director Miles Prosser says it is a major breakthrough. "The RET cost would be a very significant part of their future cost structure and...
Constellium showcases its portfolio at ALUMINIUM 2014
Constellium N.V. exhibits today at ALUMINIUM 2014 tradeshow its global portfolio of advanced solutions, maximizing the potential of aluminium for a broad range of applications. Constellium is leveraging its first-class R&D capabilities and competencies to meet high-level expectations of its customers, particularly in terms of weight, performance, formability and sustainability. “ALUMINIUM 2014 trade show is the right place to showcase Constellium’s latest developments in a variety of applications. We are committed to continue working together with our customers and other strategic partners to develop advanced products that meet their existing and future needs,” said Bruno Chenal, Innovation and Technology Director at Constellium. Constellium’s highlights at the tradeshow include: • An...
Jeep Wrangler's shift to aluminum could see production leave Toledo
The Jeep Wrangler may be a timeless design, but sooner or later, time will run out and Chrysler will have to replace it with a newer model more friendly towards the earth it's designed to traverse. That will, it seems, mean a shift to aluminum construction (whether just for the body or for the entire structure) – but what will that mean for the Wrangler's long-time home of Toledo, OH? According to the latest pronouncements from Fiat Chrysler chief Sergio Marchionne, the shift to an aluminum Wrangler would likely mean moving production out of Toledo. "If the solution is aluminum," Marchionne told Automotive News, "then I think unfortunately Toledo is the wrong place, the wrong setup to try and build a Wrangler, because it requires a complete reconfiguring of the assets that would be...
King Oscar Finds a new opening for its Mackerel Can
One of the world’s leading canned fish brands has enhanced its popularity by adding an advanced opening solution to its relaunched mackerel can, produced by Ardagh Group. The Norwegian seafood firm, King Oscar, chose Ardagh’s Easy Peel® aluminium can end as an important convenience feature of its new aluminium can. Developed by Ardagh as an entirely new and improved approach to can openability, Easy Peel® comprises a metal ring on which an aluminum foil is heat sealed. The consumer has a safer and quicker means of opening the can, with a drastically reduced risk of spattering its contents. It is also 50 per cent lighter than a standard end. Patrick Savouré, Commercial Director, Seafood, Ardagh Group’s metal division, explains the background: “ King Oscar made the decision to add the...
