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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Indian aluminium maker announces 100 MW wind energy project days after its coal mine is cancelled
Indian government-owned companies seem to have embarked on a hyperdrive to implement renewable energy projects. The aggressive capacity addition plans are reportedly backed by the central government, which aims to boost the existing renewable energy policies. Just last month, Coal India Limited, the world’s largest coal mining company, announced that it is planning to invest $1.2 billion in solar power projects. The latest public sector company to join the renewable energy bandwagon is National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). The company, one of the largest aluminium production companies in the world, has announced fresh plans to install a 100 MW wind energy project, and is scouting land for the same. The new project would require an investment of Rs 660 crore ($110 million US). It is...
London Metal Exchange raises fees by a third
The London Metal Exchange is hiking transaction fees charged to members and users by an average of 34% for the first time since Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. acquired it for $2.2 billion in 2012. The new tariff, to be charged in U.S. dollars, seeks to help fund investment in the exchange and it will come into effect on Jan. 1, Chief Executive Garry Jones said in a statement. The move come as the LME's owner needs to invest in upgrading its system. “The LME, as was just three years ago, would not survive in today’s environment,” said at a press conference in London. The company said the new fee structure simplifies and levels out the transaction fees across the LME user base. Charles Li, the HKEx chief executive, said the fees hike would benefit members as higher exchange revenues...
EGA promotes growing role in European markets
UAE-based aluminium giant Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC ("EGA") will highlight the growing importance of the UAE's primary aluminium industry to the European market with a strong appearance at the ALUMINIUM 2014 World Trade Fair & Conference, being held in Dusseldorf, Germany from 7 to 9 October 2014. The event is regarded as the world's leading trade show and B2B platform for the aluminium industry, bringing together the full spectrum “ from producers, manufacturers, processors and suppliers to end-consumers. EGA is the jointly-owned aluminium conglomerate formed by Mubadala Development Corporation and Investment Corporation of Dubai through combining their respective aluminium industry assets. This year will mark EGA's first attendance as a single entity: EGA's core operating assets “...
GM won't follow aluminum strategy in future cars
General Motors Co. won't follow rival Ford Motor Co. in betting on aluminum vehicles, but instead will use a mix of aluminum, high-strength steel, magnesium and carbon fiber to cut the weight of future models, including its luxury sedans and pickup trucks, the auto maker's product development chief says. Mark Reuss laid out new details of how GM plans to slash weight from its vehicles and meet tougher fuel economy rules in a lengthy presentation to analysts and investors at GM's vehicle proving grounds. For months, GM has ducked questions about how it will respond to Ford's decision to boost the fuel efficiency of its future F-series pickups by constructing the bodies out of lightweight aluminum. Mr. Reuss, in a presentation somewhat overshadowed by the company's announcement of new...
Next Jeep Wrangler body may be made from aluminium
The next-generation Jeep Wrangler may be built from aluminium rather than steel in a move that would shift its production away from the Toledo plant in the U.S. state of Ohio, the head of parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) said on Thursday. Speaking at the Paris auto show, Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne said FCA was doing a number of engineering studies, also seeking to downsize the engines of the popular sport utility vehicle and to boost their capabilities. "One of the things we are debating is whether this thing requires going into a material other than steel," Marchionne told reporters. "If the solution is aluminum, then unfortunately Toledo is the wrong place, the wrong set-up to try build the Wrangler because it requires a complete reconfiguring of the assets that would be...
Armenal invested $120 million in upgrading aluminum foil production
ArmenAl Armenian-Russian foil-rolling plant in Yerevan has invested a total of $120 million in upgrading the facility since 2000, economy minister Karen Chshmarityan said Thursday during a government session after it granted the plant a three-year VAT payment deferment. The minister said the plant plans to import a furnace, worth 202 million drams, for processing of aluminum foil and an electrostatic coating system worth 310.7 million drams. He said as part of its investment program the plant seeks to increase production of aluminum foil by 5,600 tons per year. The installment of new equipment will create 35 new jobs, Chshmarityan said. Under a government decision, the deferment is awarded to companies which import more than 200 million drams worth modern equipment or technology to expand...
Instacom buying 35% stake of Neata Aluminium for RM58.8m
Instacom Group Bhd has made an offer to buy a 35% stake of Neata Aluminium (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd for RM58mil in an all-share deal as it diversifies into aluminium design and fabrication. Instacom said on Thursday it had signed a conditional share sale agreement with Ooi Eng Kean, Nor Mohd Amin Shaharudin, Ang Li-Hann and Chia Kok Seng to buy their combined 35% stake comprising of 1.40 million shares. “The purchase consideration for the proposed acquisition is RM58.80mil which will be fully satisfied by the issuance of 309.47 million new 10 sen shares of Instacom at an issue price of 19 sen per Instacom share,” it said. It said under the corporate exercise, it would diversify its core business to include aluminium design and fabrication business and civil engineering and construction...
Aluminium in buildings proven to be durable and sustainable
A recent study by renowned architect Professor Michael Stacey, on behalf of the International Aluminium Institute, has concluded that aluminium in buildings is proven to last and remain in excellent condition for decades longer than previously expected. The report, titled Aluminium and Durability: Towards Sustainable Cities, looked at buildings such at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol and the FT Printing Works and the USB Offices, both in London. The findings resulted in the following recommendations by the report authors: · Coated aluminium used in buildings is now being given warranties of up to 40 years. · Aluminium used in window frames should be given a service life of 80 years, an upward revision of 40 years. · Aluminium used internally has an infinite lifespan. · Coated aluminium stands...
Alcoa opens world’s largest aluminum-lithium aerospace plant in Indiana
Expansion to Capture Rapid Aluminum-Lithium Demand Growth • $90 million advanced manufacturing facility is largest of Alcoa’s three aluminum-lithium expansions • $100 million in revenues for 2017 already contracted • Growing demand for advanced aluminum-lithium alloys for lighter, more fuel-efficient, lower-cost aircraft • Alcoa holds the number one market position in aluminum-lithium extrusions and offers the broadest portfolio of aluminum-lithium products; • Supplies aircraft such as A380, A350, 787 and G650 • 75 new jobs in Indiana where Alcoa employs more people than in any other state NEW YORK & LAFAYETTE, Ind, a global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing, today is officially opening the world’s largest aluminum-lithium plant in Lafayette, Indiana...
Queensland Bauxite samples up to 55% total alumina
Queensland Bauxite (ASX:QBL) will look to deliver a Scoping Study within weeks for the South Johnstone Bauxite Project in Queensland. The study is proceeding to plan to assess the potential economic viability of the development of a bauxite mining operation. The company continues to advance exploration with a further drilling program being undertaken, which targets an upgrade in the current Inferred Resource Estimate. Adding to the potential of the project, assaying of gibbsite samples using the Innovex portable XRF instrument analyser identified levels of total alumina as high as 55% and total silica at less than 5%. South Johnstone bauxite is consistently bauxitic, which the alumina refineries need. There have been reports Chinese alumina refiners may struggle to find new supplies of...
Ardagh aluminium bottle marks special year for Scotland
Scotland might have been divided over whether or not to vote for independence from the United Kingdom during the recent Referendum. One thing however that united this proud nation was the universal admiration of a special Diet Coke bottle to commemorate Homecoming Scotland 2014. The limited edition 25cl aluminium bottle was crafted and produced by leading packaging company Ardagh Group at its aluminium packaging facility in Beaurepaire, France using the company’s unrivalled decorative printing expertise. Adorned in tartan and thistle, the design symbolises the recognisable emblems of the Scottish nation. Its launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) Ltd ‘s East Kilbride factory, a landmark milestone in its ongoing commitment to manufacturing excellence and...
Noranda Aluminum drops 6.42% on October 1
Noranda Aluminum Holding (NOR) was one of the Russell 2000's biggest losers for October 1 as the stock slid 6.42% to $4.23, a loss of $0.29 per share. Starting at an opening price of $4.49 a share, the stock traded between $4.20 and $4.58 over the course of the trading day. Volume was 850,916 shares over 4,102 trades, against an average daily volume of 1,091,857 shares and a total float of 68,852,804. The losses send Noranda Aluminum Holding down to a market cap of $291,247,361. In the last year, Noranda Aluminum Holding has traded between $5.64 and $2.21, and its 50-day SMA is currently $4.52 and 200-day SMA is $3.83. For a full analysis of Noranda Aluminum Holding, check out Equities.com's E.V.A. report. Noranda Aluminum Holding Corp is a North American integrated producer of...
Aluminium down 0.6% on overseas cues
Aluminium futures fell 0.58% to INR120.70 per kg today as speculators trimmed positions amid a weak trend at the London Metal Exchange. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, aluminium for delivery in November lost 70 paise, or 0.58%, to INR 120.70 per kg, with a business turnover of five lots. The metal for delivery in October also shed 40 paise, or 0.33%, to trade at INR 119.75 per kg in a turnover of 139 lots. Marketmen said a weak trend overseas as the strongest US dollar in four years reduced demand for industrial metals quoted in the currency, put pressure on aluminium prices at futures trade here.
Alcoa to Host Webcast of Third Quarter 2014 Results
Alcoa will hold a conference call on Wednesday, October 8 beginning at 5:00 p.m. EDT to discuss third quarter 2014 results and business developments. The conference call will be webcast live via Alcoa's website, with presentation materials available online at 4:15 p.m. EDT. The Conference will be hosted by Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and William Oplinger, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Invest section of the Alcoa website to listen and view slides only. Note: Adobe Flash 9 or higher is required. Please refer to the system check to verify that your computer meets the system requirements. Click here if you need the latest version of Adobe Flash. A replay of the call will be available from 10:00 p.m. EDT on October 8 until October 22 at 11:59...
Aluminum deficit to deepen fourfold as metals healthiest
Aluminum, the biggest gainer among base metals on the London Metal Exchange last quarter, will fall into a deficit almost four times larger than previously estimated as demand grows faster than expected, according to Standard Bank Plc. Global consumption will outstrip production by 806,000 metric tons this year, more than a previous estimate of 217,000 tons, the bank’s analysts including Walter de Wet and Leon Westgate said in a report today. Industrial metals have the “healthiest fundamentals” among commodities on a three-year outlook and most base metals will be in deficits either this year or next, the analysts said. The metal, used in everything from aircraft to beverage cans and window frames, has risen 7.4 percent this year on the LME. Stockpiles monitored by the bourse have...
China alumina imports up 142.74% in August 2014
China imported 350,400 mt of alumina in August, up 142.74% YoY, but down 24.35% MoM, customs data showed. YTD imports through August surged 76.62% YoY to 3.58 million mt. New Alumina capacity growth in China has not kept pace with expanding aluminum capacity, which is the major reason behind the YoY growth in alumina imports. However, two factors precipitated the MoM decline in import volumes. Alumina stocks at the Port of Lianyungang remained high and the price of imported alumina held relatively stable through August, leaving Chinese buyers in no rush to import. Alumina imports are likely to pick up in September as the price of imported alumina has turned around and as demand from aluminum smelters in northwest China is growing.
2016 Lexus RX SUV Facelift loses weight with aluminium
Not too long ago, we learned that Jeep is applying aluminium on their vehicles to make them lighter, thus improving performance and efficiency. Now, we have received word that the Lexus is planning to do the same for the upcoming RX SUV facelift. The Japanese luxury carmaker will be utilizing lightweight but pricey aluminium for the RX’s hood, tailgate and closures. This will be applied when the RX SUV steps into production next fall in Cambridge, Ontario. The RX will be offered in two variants, the RX350 and the RX450h. Both models will be coming with an 8-speed automatic transmission and there will also be an F Sport performance trims as well. Toyota spokesperson further revealed that the choice of premium aluminium will just be the tip of the iceberg. The Japanese carmaker is also...
Innovation Areas at ALUMINIUM 2014: trade fair shows new products for automotive engineering and construction
Automotive engineering and construction are among the growth and innovation drivers of the aluminium industry. That’s why the ALUMINIUM trade fair from 7 to 9 October will dedicate two special areas to the latest developments in both segments: entitled“ Automotive Innovations” and “Building Innovations” , they will feature exhibitors presenting distinguished high-tech products – from transmission casings with integrated oil passages to anti-graffiti powder coatings to modular railing systems. Today’s cars contain approximately 150 kilograms of aluminium – a figure that is set to rise to 180 kilograms by 2020, according to estimates by the European Aluminium Association (EAA). The special area “Automotive Innovations” will showcase some of the latest aluminium solutions. Drahtzug Stein...
