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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For Q3 2025: High stockpiles and muted demand cut Japan aluminium premium again
For the second consecutive quarter, the premium offered by Japan’s primary aluminium buyers has further depleted, said two sources directly involved in quarterly pricing talks. Mirroring a similar20 per cent decline as seen in the previous quarter, the proposed premium for Q3 2025 has reached USD 145 per tonne versus USD 182 per tonne. This continued downturn marks not only the second straight quarterly decline within the year but also the second such drop in the past five years. After a strong start to the year, when the premium surged to USD 228 per tonne for the March quarter, representing a 30 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase, Japan’s aluminium premium has steadily weakened with each subsequent quarter. When compared to the Q1 2025 premium, Japan’s outbound trade premium for Q3...
‘Stop tariffs’, orders US Federal Court – but reverses it within 24 hours: Why the sudden U-turn?
Yet another dramatic twist has unfolded in the US tariff corridor! Within just 24 hours, the same US Federal Court delivered two starkly opposite rulings. In one moment, the court struck down Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, deeming them unjustified and labelling them as mere safeguard measures not rooted in genuine national security concerns. The other moment, it repealed the verdict, effectively reinstating the tariffs. After even commenting that the tariffs “exceed any authority granted to the president”, this unprecedented move by the US Federal Court arrives as a big surprise for the entire global trade communities. What exactly did the court say? The US Court of International Trade delivered the judgement this week that Donald Trump wrongly used the presidential authority under the...
India’s industrial exports, including aluminium, to the UK are at risk from 2027 carbon duties
India and the United Kingdom have recently concluded negotiations on a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at unlocking bilateral trade potential and reducing tariff barriers. The deal is expected to usher in smoother market access for Indian goods, from textiles and engineering products to aluminium and steel. But even before implementation begins, an invisible tariff threatens to erode these gains: the United Kingdom’s upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Image for representational purposes only (Source: https://x.com/narendramodi/) Set to take effect from January 1, 2027, the UK CBAM is designed to level the playing field between domestic and imported goods by placing a carbon cost on high-emission imports. In doing so, it mirrors the European Union’s CBAM,...
Turkey’s solar strategy at a crossroads: Will anti-dumping move on Chinese aluminium frames hurt more than help?
Sunday’s report on Turkey initiating anti-dumping probe into Chinese aluminium solar frames imports make both the global aluminium and solar industries wonder 'WHY', given the nation’s growing solar energy capacity. In only two and half years, Turkey’s solar energy capacity surged by 102 per cent and reached 19.6 GW by the end of 2024, surpassing the 2025 target ahead of time. Against this backdrop, Turkey’s decision to target China, a key supplier of aluminium solar frames, comes as a surprise. China – dominant supplier under scrutiny China remains Turkey’s largest exporter of aluminium photovoltaic (PV) frames. In 2023, China alone exported 280,000 tonnes of solar frames, accounting for 76 per cent of Turkey’s total imports. This, according to Turkey, is undercutting local...
GAC’s 2Mt bauxite pile-up in Guinea: What built it, what’s blocking it, and what could break the deadlock
In October 2024, Guinean customs authorities suspended bauxite exports from Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), a subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), due to unresolved issues with the Guinean government, chiefly around concerns over GAC’s failure to progress on its commitment to build a domestic alumina refinery. As a result, GAC halted exports, and by early 2025, around 2 million tonnes of bauxite had accumulated at the port in Kamsar, unable to be shipped. Image for referential purposes only Located in northwestern Guinea, GAC operates a vast 690-square-kilometre mining concession that feeds directly into international supply chains, thanks to a dedicated rail link to its port at Kamsar. Since exports began in 2019, GAC has become a key supplier of bauxite, the primary ore for...
Green tech + renewables can slash Australia’s carbon emissions by 98% — South32 backs the shift with $4.4M funding
South32 Limited, a mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, has secured $4.4 million government funding to accelerate its carbon emission reduction efforts at Worsley Alumina Refinery, which will eventually bring the company close to its net-zero carbon emission goals by 2050. Image source: ARENA The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said the funding would support South32 in conducting a pre-feasibility study to examine four investment options for partially replacing fossil fuel-based steam generation with renewable energy-powered systems at Worsley refinery. This shift will enable the company reduce direct carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, leading to a more sustainable future. This funding is part of ARENA’s $400 million Industrial...
Price charts in India hit by ripple effect of April’s routine of alumina and aluminium maintenance season in China
Aluminium prices in India nudged up 0.8 per cent to INR 238.9 per kilogram, buoyed by a chain reaction unfolding in China’s refinery landscape. But this isn’t just another pricing blip, and it’s a mirror to something deeper: the calculated routine of alumina supply, energy bottlenecks, and macro market muscle. As Chinese refineries go under the wrench and global production gears shift, the aluminium market is entering a new price reality, one which is calibrated not just by output but by strategic pause. Image for representational purposes only Maintenance or market masterstroke? From late March through April 2025, nearly 11.5 million tonnes of Chinese alumina capacity went offline for maintenance, according to Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). Far from a routine fix-up, this mass downtime...
From drivers to decliners – Unlike Q1 2025, China and Europe’s alumina output slips in April, dragging global production down
In April 2025, the world alumina production, including chemical and metallurgical-grade, totalled 12.407 million tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month downfall of 2.48 per cent from 12.723 million tonnes, found the International Aluminium Institute. Of the total alumina output, metallurgical-grade production volume was 11.614 million tonnes, which was also down by 3 per cent M-o-M from 11.974 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the chemical-grade alumina production in April 2025 registered an increase of 5.87 per cent from 749,000 tonnes to 793,000 tonnes. Even on an annual basis, the world’s chemical-grade alumina production grew by 3.12 per cent from 769,000 tonnes, and that of metallurgical-grade alumina output decreased by 3.83 per cent from 11.186 million tonnes. The output of...
Guinea pulls the plug by cancelling 129 mining licences, and it seems to be just the beginning
Guinea has just made a move that could send tremors through global commodity corridors, cancelling from 50 plus to 129 mineral exploration permits in a single sweep. No clarifications. No negotiations. Just a decree from the military-led government aimed at “tightening control” over the West African nation’s mineral treasure trove. A senior official at the Ministry of Mines said the move was to free unused resources for other more potent investors. “We’ve simplified it by digitising the whole system, which can now be better controlled,” the official has disclosed to Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. If you think this is just another bureaucratic reshuffle, think again. This is Guinea signalling that it’s done playing host to dormant licences and absentee investors. The...
US tariff-led aluminium price volatility hits Singapore construction industry, with its GDP contribution shrinking 5%
The Republic of Singapore, a vibrant island nation and city-state in Southeast Asia, boasts a robust construction industry, driven by government initiatives, technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability. The sector spans commercial, institutional, industrial, and infrastructure projects, positioning Singapore as a regional leader in construction. Moreover, recent investments in renewable energy infrastructure to achieve a solar energy capacity of 2GW by 2030 further bolster the industry's growth in the construction sector. According to market research firms like IMARC Group and Next Move Strategy Consulting, Singapore’s construction market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2 per cent from 2025 to 2033. Valued at approximately USD 31.18...
Q1 2025 global EV battery market: China’s dominance intensifies, elbowing Japan and Korea
In the first quarter of 2025, the global electric vehicle (EV) battery market experienced a considerable surge, with total installed capacity reaching 221.8 GWh, which is a 38.8 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Today, we delve into the leading brands and their performance in 2025, which has aided in the surge against all odds. Country-wise, China has shoved South Korea and Japan in the sustainable battery race. China’s battery manufacturers lead the charge Chinese battery manufacturers have solidified their dominance in the global EV battery market: CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited): Maintained its position as the world’s leading EV battery supplier, with an installed capacity of 84.9 GWh, marking a 40.2 per cent year-over-year increase. CATL’s...
“The patented ‘Vedanta Lining Design’ for our aluminium smelting pots reduces energy consumption by 200-250 kWh per tonne and extends pot lifespan, which can cut 386,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually at our Jharsuguda smelter”, Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium
AL Circle is honoured to present an exclusive interview with Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium—India's largest aluminium producer and a key player in driving the nation's industrial growth and sustainability ambitions. In this conversation, Rajiv Kumar discusses Vedanta's transformation journey, its pioneering digital and green initiatives, and how the company is shaping the future of the aluminium industry both in India and globally. AL Circle: Vedanta Aluminium is shifting focus from traditional commodity aluminium to value-added products, aiming to increase VAP share from 60% to over 90%. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in accelerating this transformation? Rajiv Kumar: As Vedanta Aluminium accelerates its journey towards becoming a global leader in...
Japan’s rubbish heist crisis: Why aluminium can theft is surging in broad daylight
In a quiet alley in Fukuoka’s Minami Ward, what began as a routine garbage patrol turned into a tense showdown. “You’re not allowed to take that!” howled a Fukuoka city employee, catching a man red-handed with a bag of non-burnable waste stuffed with aluminium cans. The man lunged, shoving the official and trying to flee in a small car. After a brief scuffle, two city workers managed to pin him down and hand him over to the police. His backseat? Crammed with five bags of stolen aluminium cans. This wasn’t his first offence. The man, in his 20s, had already received three warnings, both written and verbal. But the lure of aluminium had proven too strong. From trash to treasure Aluminium theft in Japan is no longer a petty nuisance. It is becoming an organised, nationwide problem. In...
Aluminium scrap recovery growth helps US maintain balance despite trade shifts
In February 2025, the United States recorded a 5.88 per cent month-on-month increase in aluminium scrap exports, reaching 162,000 tonnes compared to 153,000 tonnes in January, according to data published by the US Geological Survey (USGS). In contrast, aluminium scrap imports declined by 5.84 per cent month-on-month to 59,700 tonnes, down from 63,400 tonnes in the previous month. On a year-over-year basis, both exports and imports demonstrated upward trends. Aluminium scrap exports rose by 2.53 per cent from 158,000 tonnes in February 2024, while imports surged by 24.8 per cent from 50,800 tonnes. The uptick in export volume was likely driven by increased domestic aluminium scrap recovery, which totalled 321,000 tonnes in February, marking an 8 per cent rise from 297,000 tonnes in...
Energy cold war? Energy sanctions, BRICS resistance — a fracture in the global power grid
In a sharply worded communique, the BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has fired a warning shot at the West’s growing reliance on sanctions as an instrument of energy policy. At the latest BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting held under Russia’s presidency, the five-nation grouping condemned what they call “unilateral sanctions” and “arbitrary restrictions,” signalling an urgent geopolitical realignment that is beginning to redraw the contours of the global energy map. “We express concern about unilateral sanctions and arbitrary restrictions on energy trade and investment in the energy sector that disregard international law... and pose a threat to the security of the critical energy infrastructure,” the BRICS group said in a joint statement. This declaration comes...
“In addition to new smelters, the United States should find ways to capture and recycle more aluminium scrap – something that can be done at a fraction of the cost of building new smelters,” Matt Meenan, vice president of external affairs at the Aluminum Association
In conversation with Matt Meenan, vice president of external affairs at the Aluminum Association, regarding US tariffs challenges, impacts, and solutions. Mr Meenan has candidly shared his opinion that the United States should find ways to capture and recycle more aluminium scrap - something that can be done at a fraction of the cost of building new smelters. He said this in the context of growing demand for aluminium in the US domestic market. According to him, domestic US aluminium demand remains 3.5 per cent higher than the last year and 10 per cent more than a decade ago. He also pointed out that the long-term demand for aluminium is expected to grow by 80 per cent globally by 2050. To know more about Matt Meenan's valuable insights, read the full interview below. AL Circle: How will...
Industry titans unlocking revolutionary technologies to recycle aluminium dross into a strategic resource
The aluminium industry is on a determined mission to build a truly closed-loop supply chain, and the spotlight is firmly on aluminium dross. Around the globe, smelters are ramping up efforts to minimise waste and supercharge recycling, driven by ambitious sustainability goals. Thanks to cutting-edge advances in dross processing technology over the past few years, companies are making remarkable strides. The impact - Of the total aluminium dross generated in 2024, an estimated 60-70 per cent was recovered and processed in various in-house facilities of aluminium producers as well as at third-party recycling facilities. Not only this, top region wise also the aluminium recovery rate from dross has shown significant results. Like – China generated over 2 million tonnes of dross, of which...
Can EGA buck the closure trend? A feasibility deep-dive into smelting amid US power crisis
Emirate Global Aluminium’s recent announcement of setting up a primary aluminium smelter in Oklahoma, close to the Tulsa Port of Inola, is going to be the first new primary aluminium plant built in the US in 45 years. The USD 4 billion investment by the Middle Eastern business will strengthen domestic aluminium production and support supply chain resilience. But, in the heartland of America, a silent battle is unfolding — wherein at stake is the future of US aluminium smelting, an industry once thriving but now teetering under the weight of soaring electricity costs and the insatiable energy demands of Big Tech’s data centres. Now, the Aluminum Association estimates that a new US smelter would need a minimum 20-year power contract at a price of not more than USD 40 per MWh to be viable at...
