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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China restarts smelters looking at high aluminium prices
The aluminium market which has been in surplus over the past few years is doing exceptionally well this year, with a climbing LME price and a healthy demand. Much of that has been achieved by global production cutbacks adopted by all the big names in the industry. Now with the aluminium prices at a considerably high and a possible deficit in the global market, Chinese smelters are considering restarting some of their idled smelters. The aluminium benchmark price has increased by 27 percent over the first seven months of the year reaching an 18-month high by the end of August and although the prices have eased since then, they are still a healthy 10 percent higher this year. A poll conducted in July by Reuters with the consensus median forecast of analysts have revealed there is likely to...
Chalco refinery in Henan re-opens after red mud leakage repair
Last week the Chalco alumina refinery located in Henan had closed down due to a broken waste-pool. The refinery had a capacity of 1.6 million tonnes per annum and its closure had a definite effect on the already climbing alumina prices. On Tuesday, Shanghai Metal Market heard reports that 60,000 tonnes of the capacity is likely to come back online. The rest of the 1,000,000 is expected to return to production by early October. The unpredictable aluminium future and the rising alumina prices have stalled alumina trading considerably as everyone is treading cautiously. The re-opening of the refinery would have a definite impact on the alumina market. The market is expected to pick up as people begin stocking for the fourth quarter in the winter months as transportation becomes an issue in...
Rexam to launch Germânia 55 in aluminium Fusion bottles
South Africa’s leading beverage can manufacturer, Rexam is making inroads in the Brazilian aluminium bottle market which has been established recently. The company had earlier launched the Smirnoff Ice limited addition in 2013, this year they are back with Germânia 55 beer in Fusion bottles. It is the first time that the Fusion bottle, which is considered to be South Africa’s lightest bottle, will feature a drink like this. Tiago Avena, the commercial manager of Rexam in South Africa expressed that after the success of the 24oz can versions of Germânia 55, partnership with New Age will continue to bear fruit. The use of Fusion bottles is an innovation in the Brazilian market that is not only sustainable but has an youthful appeal as well. "The aluminium bottles showcase the high...
Aluminium consumers appeal against judgement in LME Anti-trust case
The consumer and commercial classes who had accused LME of allowing anti-competitive and monopolistic behavior in its warehousing operations are not happy with the judge’s dismissal of the case. According to the LME owner, they have again appealed against the judge’s verdict. On September, the two sets of plaintiffs from the aluminium industry have filed their appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals said the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Ltd (HKEx) in a filing on Thursday. HKEx, having acquired LME in December 2012, commented that their management believes that these appeals are baseless maintains “the claims are without merit and will continue to contest these allegations vigorously.” According to the U.S. District Judge, Katherine Forrest, since the LME was a British Government “organ”,...
Hindalco chairman outlines the progress of Hindalco this year
Hindalco chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla announced on Wednesday that they will double their alumina and aluminium capacity after their mega-expansion plans are complete. He also added that their consolidated capital expenditure amounted to $1.5 billion. Adressing the 55th annual Aditya Birla Group general meeting held in Mumbai, Mangalam emphasized that their three strategic Greenfield projects – Utkal Alumina, Mahan Aluminium and Aditya Aluminium – are active and doing well despite the market instabilities. As these projects progress, they will add to the alumina and aluminium capacities of Hindalco doubling it from its current 1.5 million tonnes to 3 million tonnes in case of alumina and 0.6 million tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes for aluminium. He also reported that that their foreign...
Lambie seeks full aluminium RET exemption
Palmer United Senator Jacqui Lambie has said she is pushing the partyroom to adopt a 100 per cent exemption for the aluminium sector from the Renewable Energy Target. The aluminium sector is currently exempt from 90 per cent of the cost of the RET beyond the first 9500GWh of the 41,000GWh target (putting the overall ), with the scheme also putting downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices which would offset the aluminium sector's burden further. Senator Lambie told The Australian that she had put forward a proposal to extend the exemption to other high-energy users – "all four members of Tasmania's 'big four' group of high energy users ... will be exempt" – and that she had "received confirmation" her colleagues would back her plan, but said the proposal had not been signed off...
Vedanta Resources celebrates ten-year anniversary of LSE listing
Anil Agarwal, Group Chairman, Vedanta Resources Plc and Tom Albanese, Group CEO, Vedanta Resources Plc opened the market at the London Stock Exchange today to celebrate ten years of Vedanta's main market listing, confirming the Group's long-term commitment to its listing on the London Stock Exchange. His Excellency Ranjan Mathai, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, will also be in attendance to mark this milestone. At the time of flotation in 2003, Vedanta was the first Indian company to gain a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and it immediately qualified to enter the FTSE 250. The IPO was the second-largest of the year in London. Vedanta's listing has provided an excellent platform for growth over the last ten years. In this decade, Vedanta has offered global investors...
Norsk Hydro: Svein Richard Brandtzæg stays on as Hydro CEO
Svein Richard Brandtzæg will stay on as President and CEO of Norwegian aluminium company Norsk Hydro ASA. "We are very pleased that Brandtzæg has decided to continue as President and CEO of Hydro," said Dag Mejdell, chair of Hydro's Board of Directors. "Brandtzæg has led the company in a steady and robust manner, turning Hydro into a world-leading aluminium company. The Board of Directors remains confident that he is the best CEO to lead the company in the future." After Brandtzæg notified Hydro's Board of Directors in July that he would resign from Hydro to become President and CEO of Norwegian fertilizers company Yara International ASA, Hydro's Board of Directors asked Brandtzæg to reconsider. Brandtzæg has now decided to withdraw his resignation and stay on as CEO of Hydro. His...
Next Toyota Camry to use aluminum body panels
Following several other automakers, Toyota is turning to aluminum to make its vehicles lighter. Next year, the 2016 Lexus RX 350 crossover will become the company's first model with an aluminum hood and liftgate built in North America, while in 2018 the popular Toyota Camry sedan will get an aluminum hood as well. It appears the aluminum sheet will come from a joint venture between Kobe Steel and Toyota Tsusho Corp., a trading company affiliated with Toyota Motor Corp. Toyota will be among the venture's first customers, several sources confirmed. Talks on site selection and final details for the joint venture are expected to conclude this month. The plant will be able to produce 100,000 tons of aluminum sheet annually. "Toyota has plans to use aluminum on future vehicles for hood,...
Aluminium Extrusion Industries enjoys increased sales by 11.88 percent
Aluminium Extrusion Industries plc has increased sales by 11.88 percent by their focus strategy and marketing penetration despite country’s ongoing battle with cheap imports. In the first half of 2014, this Nigerian roofing company has upped its revenue by 11.8 percent, jumping from N894.91 to N1 billion when compared to same period last year. The ever increasing energy costs have pushed the cost of sales by 15.83 percent to N889.86 million in 2014 rising from last year’s N768.19 million. Even the cost of sales margin has increased by 88.87 percent from last year’s 85.90 percent. The operating expenses have also risen by 10.50 percent which put pressure on Aluminium Extrusion bottomline decreasing the profit after tax (PAT) by 44.08 percent. Despite all these obstacles, there is growth of...
Aluminium futures rise on global cues, spot demand
Aluminium prices went up by 0.30 per cent to INR 118.55 per kg in futures trade today as participants strengthened their positions, supported by an upward trend overseas. Further, pick up in demand in the spot markets also influenced metal prices. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, aluminium for delivery in September inched up by 35 paise, or 0.30 per cent, to INR 118.55 per kg in business turnover of 67 lots. Likewise, the metal for delivery in October traded marginally higher by 35 paise, or 0.29 per cent, to INR 119.95 per kg in 7 lots. Marketmen said apart from increased domestic demand, a firming global trend where Aluminium climbed as stockpiles declined to the lowest in 33 months and United Co Rusal, the biggest producer, forecast that demand will exceed supply next year, mainly...
Rexam opens graphics and design studio in Luton
Global can maker Rexam has opened a new state-of-the-art graphics and design studio, providing a unique offering for customers with on-the-spot design expertise, platemaking and proofing. The studio, located at the heart of Rexam's European central office in Luton in the UK, showcases Rexam's graphic and design capabilities for customers. Complete with a suite for marketing teams to brainstorm designs, the studio has been developed with the customer in mind. "We recognise that visualising flat designs as three-dimensional metal cans can be difficult," said Paul Winright, European graphics & design manager. "Now our customers can brainstorm a design and by the end of the day see the artwork on a can there and then. Being able to work so closely with our customers through every step of the...
U.S. Industry Recycling rate remains above 65 percent for third consecutive year
Aluminum beverage cans are once again the most recycled beverage packaging type in the United States with an industry recycling rate of 66.7 percent in 2013, according to new data released by the Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). This marks the third consecutive year the rate has held above 65 percent, compared to an average rate of 54 percent reported during the previous decade. Since it takes just 8 percent of the energy to produce recycled aluminum versus new aluminum, energy saved from this effort is enough to fuel more than 1 million cars on the road for a full year. The Aluminum Association began reporting an annual aluminum can recycling rate in 1972, with a rate of 15.4 percent. “Aluminum cans are recycled...
Tightening supply to drive up China alumina prices
Tightening alumina supply is expected to give more rising momentum to China's alumina prices, Shanghai Metals Market foresees. The supply shortfall is due mainly to production suspensions or cuts, SMM learns. Chalco (Henan) has closed down a total of 1.6 million-tpy due to leaks from its red mud pond. Some refineriesas in other regions, such as Shanxi, also reported lower output for unit maintenance, SMM learns. Growing demand in northwest China for commissioning of new aluminum capacity has also contributed to tight supply. Prices for the main ingredient in aluminum smelting gained another 100 yuan per tonne to 2,500-2,800 yuan ($ 1,946-2179) per tonne in the week ending September 19, according to SMM data.
Peter Wall replaces John Morris as chairman in Aziana Limited
Peter Wall will soon become the new chairman of Aziana Liminted replacing John Morris. The switch will come into effect on 30th September 2014. Wall is a Perth-based corporate lawyer with an experience of over 14 years with expertise in a wide array of corporate and commercial issues. His specialty however lies on resources law mergers and acquisitions, along with back door listing and all form of equity capital transactions. Wall also has ample experience in cross border transactions. True to his area of expertise, he will be aiding Aziana, which is seeking potential partners for the its 10.09 million tonnes worth Manantenina Bauxite Project in Madagascar that has 30-45% available alumina and less than 2.5% reactive silica. There is 120-160 million tonnes worth resource upside that will...
Alba gets government approval for gas allocation for Line 6 project
A top executive at Aluminium Bahrain reported on Tuesday that the company had received the government’s approval for the gas allocation that will aid the operation of the sixth proposed production line, expected to be operational by 2018. The Chief Operating Officer, Isa al-Ansari revealed in an industry event held at Abu Dhabi that by the end of the year they are expecting final approval for the gas pricing structure. Once that gets through, the scheme will take 36 months to come together which means that production can start at the first quarter of 2018. The smelter’s current capacity stands at 890,000 tonne and the line 6 project is expected to add 400,000 tonnes to that. The upswing of the aluminium industry with shorter supplies and greater demand, which is already forecasted to...
HYBRAZ coating 'healthier' for aluminium tubes
In its latest issue, Automotive Industries reports on how the application of Sapa’s HYBRAZ coating benefits the overall performance of aluminium tubes in heat exchange applications. The magazine article features Sapa’s Dagmar Steiner, who works for the company’s Precision Tubing Technology Center – the team devoted to applications and development in the field of aluminium tubing. The article explains the environmental, health and safety benefits, and heightened performance, that aluminium tubes attain when pre-treated with HYBRAZ coating. Sapa's HYBRAZ coating healthier for aluminium tubesUsing the pre-treated tubes in the manufacturing of aluminium heat exchangers leads to several improvements, compared with non-treated tubes. One, it enables the customer to eliminate the entire fluxing...
Gulf Extrusions Co gearing up for expansion with new plants
Dubai-based Gulf Extrusions Co has made plans to expand their capacity with a new plant that is due to come up by next year owing to the rise in global demand especially in the industrial and construction sectors, said a company executive. The general manager for this Al Ghurair Group company, Modar al Mekdad, said that they are looking to grow their annual capacity to 100,000 tonnes over the 3-4 years. They are already one of the largest aluminium product makers in the Gulf. Mekdad further informed that 30 percent of their products are exported to Europe, Africa, India and the Middle East and caters to more than half of the construction market in UAE. The firm is currently churning out an output of 50,000 tonnes at the Dubai plant. There is another plant coming up in Abu Dhabi, close to...
