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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Metro Mining potent to rise to key supplier status, meeting China’s peaking bauxite demand
China, the leading alumina and aluminium producer, heavily relies on imported bauxite, which surged to 57 per cent in 2024 , owing to declining domestic ore grades and export restrictions from Indonesia. The country is thus prompted towards an urgent search for nearer-sourced supplies. Australia’s Metro Mining has reportedly seized this moment, with an urge for optimising production at its Bauxite Hills Mine in Queensland, and having ramped capacity up to 7 million tonnes per annum in H2 2024 and shipping 184,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) in Q1 2025 to satisfy Chinese demand. Backed by long-term supply agreements totalling 6.9 million tonnes in 2025 and 6.1 million tonnes in 2026 with major Chinese partners, the company stands at a sub-USD 30 per dry tonne delivered cost target and a...
Metlen’s metal segment staggers in Q1, with aluminium reflecting over 2% degrowth
Metlen Energy and Metals has kicked off Q1 2025 with a striking surge in activity, posting total sales of EUR 1.50 billion (a 31 per cent upgrade on the EUR 1.143 billion generated in Q1 2024) steered forward by double-digit gains across Metals (an increase of 11 per cent), Energy (31 per cent growth) and a standout Infra and Concessions division (171 per cent). Energy output climbed 35 per cent to 3.1 TWh (renewables up 78 per cent to 0.6 TWh), while Metals production dipped marginally by 2.1 per cent to 58 thousand tonnes amid capacity realignments. The quarter also saw planned infusions of investor confidence, wherein Fairfax Financial’s EUR 110 million exchangeable bond will elevate its stake to 8.35 per cent, and a EUR 295.5 million commitment to an integrated bauxite-to-gallium...
Global aluminium recycling hit a speed-breaker in its path to boost circular economy
Global aluminium businesses have been ramping up efforts in the recycling vertical with mounting demand and resource constraints. However, during the ongoing calendar year, the green initiatives have come under pressure with geopolitics playing a major role in the ruptured system. Image source: IAI Of course, global developments are throwing a wrench into the industry’s momentum. Or else, why would companies like Coca-Cola decide to move away from its aluminium can packaging to pet bottle packaging? In February 2025, the US slapped a 25 per cent tariff on all aluminium imports, citing global overcapacity. Though the tariffs were briefly paused, they came roaring back and bigger. As of March 12, 2025, a blanket 25 per cent tariff now hits all aluminium imports, including derivative...
With a growth rate of 2.6%, what happens when China’s aluminium production peaks?
For the past two decades, China has dominated the global aluminium landscape with unparalleled force. From producing just 4 million tonnes in 2004, the country now commands a staggering 43 million tonnes of primary aluminium smelting capacity, accounting for 60 per cent of the world’s total. But now, in 2025, the dragon appears to be nearing its limits. As China approaches its government-imposed production ceiling with a 2.6 per cent growth rate during the first quarter of the calendar year, a monumental shift is on the horizon — one that could recalibrate global supply chains, trade dynamics, and pricing structures. Image for representational purposes If China’s aluminium production growth rate progresses in a similar pattern, the national production will reach 44 million tonnes, just...
Trump-induced tariffs led to a 5% plunge in the global construction MMI
US President Donald Trump announced on April 16 a tariff escalation from the previously announced 145 per cent to a whopping 245 per cent that has evidently caught the global construction industry off-guard and, in turn, caused a ruffle in sourcing downstream (semi-finished) metals from the world’s largest aluminium-producing nation, China. Transnational builders are now in a rat race with the sudden slap of cost surges, which has reflected in a 5.41 per cent plunge according to MetalMiner’s April Construction Monthly Metals Index, tracking everything from H-beam steel to rebar. This AI-generated image is for referential purposes only Economists warn that the true sting lies in the unpredictability of the regime, deterring investment and complicating procurement strategies. Despite...
Alcoa braces for USD 90 million costs due to US tariff – is it a sign that domestic businesses are not immune to the impact of tariff?
Alcoa, the Pittsburgh-based aluminium giant, is preparing to absorb up to USD 90 million costs this quarter (Q2) as a result of tariff impact. Yes, you read that correctly! Despite being a US-headquartered aluminium manufacturer, the company is preparing for the financial hit from these tariffs. And it doesn’t end there. Alcoa is expecting this steep cost after posting a strong performance in Q1, with a double net income of USD 548 million. The truth is Alcoa has already experienced a cost of USD 20 million since the tariff being implemented by the US government. Why? Because Alcoa’s 70 per cent of the aluminium production takes place in Canada, which is now subject to Donald Trump’s 25 per cent import duty. Alcoa’s CEO William Oplinger analysed that this quarterly cost equates to an...
“Aluminium billets, primarily used in construction and transportation, are highly sought-after value-added products,” Fabio Martins, CEO – Billets, Vedanta Aluminium
Fábio Martins is the CEO of Billets at Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer and a key player in the global metals sector. With over 25 years of experience in operations, sales, and strategic management across the aluminium value chain, Fábio brings deep industry expertise and a proven track record of operational excellence, business turnaround, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining Vedanta Aluminium, Fábio held several senior leadership roles at Alcoa, where he was most recently Operations Director for the Poços de Caldas site in Brazil. He was instrumental in leading transformative projects, including a $60 million transition to dry residue management and a $100 million impoundment de-characterisation initiative, both of which were delivered in close coordination...
Detailed report: Why LME approved Hong Kong warehouses over Mainland China
In a recent development for the London Metal Exchange’s (LME’s) Asian strategy, the announcement of its approval of the first four warehouse facilities in Hong Kong in April 2025 floated in the trading market. These newly approved warehouses, operated by a trio of company pairs, are slated to commence storing LME-warranted metal within three months of the announcement. This expansion marks a notable step for the LME, particularly considering its acquisition by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) in 2012. This AI-generated image is for referential purposes only The central question that arises from this decision is why the LME, who facilitate trillions of dollars in transactions annually across numerous approved metals, including aluminium, copper, and zinc, chose Hong Kong, a...
Trump’s aluminium tariff-induced global trade tensions will curtail economic growth: IMF
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including on aluminium, from the White House Rose Garden. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on April 22 that these tariffs threaten global growth. The IMF lowered its global economic forecast due to rising trade tensions and policy unpredictability. Image for representational purposes only Trump’s baseline 10 per cent tariff on aluminium and additional 245 per cent duties on China have triggered global concern. Though some tariffs are paused, such as the “reciprocal” ones on major trade partners like the EU, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan until July for bilateral deal talks, key sectors, including aluminium and steel, remain affected. The IMF highlighted that these moves could unsettle trade flows and undercut...
Primary aluminium production in Q1 2025 grows but at a lower rate– factors uncovered here
The International Aluminium Institute has revealed the world’s primary aluminium production for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting a year-on-year increase of 1.34 per cent. But if compared to the growth rate of last year, it is about a 3 per cent less. In Q1 2024, the world primary aluminium production was 17.869 million tonnes, up by 4.31 per cent from 17.131 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. Let’s delve into why global primary aluminium production experienced a slower growth rate in Q1 2025, examine the total output during this period, and assess whether it aligns with the industry’s outlook for the year. 1. Q1 2025 production In the first quarter of 2025, the world primary aluminium production was 18.108 million tonnes, compared to 17.869 million...
Driving towards a fossil-free tomorrow with world’s first electrified highway in Sweden, charging EVs on the go
Imagine driving an electric vehicle (EV) without worrying about finding a charging station or running out of battery mid-journey. This vision is fast becoming a reality, thanks to an ambitious project in Sweden. It’s not just a technological breakthrough—it’s a bold step toward a fossil-free tomorrow. The country is building the world’s first permanent electrified highway, where EVs will charge seamlessly as they drive. Set to be completed by 2025, this game-changing e-motorway promises to eliminate range anxiety, transforming the way we think about electric mobility and paving the way for a sustainable, emission-free future. “If we electrify 20,000km of highways, that will definitely be enough. The distance between two highways is never more than 45km, and electric cars can already...
Feasibility check: Strategy of powering Aussie aluminium production firms with nuclear energy nothing but a theory?
A recent study has found that three out of Australia’s four aluminium smelters face a serious risk of closure under proposed shifts in energy policy, a development that could shake the entire nation’s economy and threaten thousands of jobs. Why such a speculation? The federal opposition has pledged to construct seven nuclear power plants across five states if elected, arguing that their modelled plan could be 44 per cent cheaper than Labor’s renewable roadmap. This AI-generated image is for representational purposes only So, what could unfold if the Coalition forms government and pushes this nuclear initiative forward? Australia’s aluminium smelters are among the highest industrial energy users in the country. The Tomago smelter in New South Wales alone accounts for 12 per cent of the...
America’s last alumina refinery suffers hard: Here’s how US trade policies hit home hard
In the heart of Gramercy, Louisiana, a silent struggle unfolds. Atlantic Alumina’s refinery, the last remaining alumina plant in the United States, is grappling with the heavy toll of shifting trade policies on metal, cars and dozens of foreign exporters. What was once a thriving symbol of industrial resilience now stands at the crossroads of uncertainty and with it, the lives of more than 550 workers hang in the balance. Image source: Atalco Atlantic Alumina, or Atalco, is the last operating alumina refinery in the US, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. With 550 workers, the plant processes Jamaican bauxite into alumina, a white, sugar-like compound essential for making primary aluminium. Atalco supplies nearly 40 per cent of the nation's alumina needs. But despite its critical role,...
Q2 alumina prices likely to walk a rocky road with market turbulence and supply surge on the rise
The global alumina market has endured a dramatic roller‑coaster in early 2025, witnessing a severe price slump in the first quarter and a raft of fresh supply hitting the market in the recent weeks. While analysts now eye a price floor in coming months, forecast revisions evidently highlights the fragility of near-term price momentum. This AI-generated image is for representational purposes only As of April 16, the benchmark price for Australian alumina stood at USD 347.50 per tonne on a FOB (Free on Board) basis — the price that covers the cost of transporting the goods to the port and loading them onto the ship, with the buyer covering the cost from that point onwards. This price point represents nearly a 50 per cent drop from where it stood at the beginning of January. In comparison,...
India revives its ‘zero-for-zero’ push with US betwixt dangling BTA prospect
Just when we thought ‘zero-for-zero’ was gathering dust in the diplomatic archives, India is breathing new life into the idea, and this time, the country is refusing to take no for an answer. Indian industry is rallying for tariff-free trade on aluminium, steel, and autos through a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. And aluminium, the often-overlooked metal powering everything from EVs to skyscrapers, is quietly hoping for its moment in the sun. Image Source: https://www.cfr.org/ According to a publication by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, officials suggested that the zero-for-zero offer could potentially aid in fast-tracking the proposed BTA between the bipartisan, which may, in turn, pave the way for rolling back the 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on...
“Minimalism and openness are key design trends on every customer’s checklist,” Ajay Balakrishna, Founder and CEO of Schon Doorways
Ajay Balakrishna, Founder and CEO of Schon Doorways, is an engineer by training, a passionate designer at heart and an entrepreneur by choice. With a deep-rooted passion for design innovation and engineering excellence, Ajay brings over a decade of experience in the architectural and building materials industry. In a chat with AL Circle, the business persona divulges about his inspiration, innovation and beyond. AL Circle: Let’s start by asking what inspired you to venture into the world of premium aluminium doors and windows and how the idea for Schon Doorways first came to life. Was there a particular gap in the market that caught your attention? Ajay Balakrishna: We observed that there is a gap in the Indian market, and that is precisely what became our inspiration for Schon Doorways....
US aluminium at a glance: Primary output down 10%, scrap recovery up 5%, surplus 1.37 million tonnes & much more
The United States’ 2024 aluminium market has further demonstrated a clear shift from primary to secondary sector, as evidenced by a Y-o-Y drop in primary metal production and a rise in scrap recovery. According to the United States Geological Survey, the country’s primary aluminium production recorded a decline of 9.92 per cent from 750,000 tonnes in 2023 to 675,600 tonnes in 2024, while its scrap recovery increase by 4.83 per cent from 3.31 million tonnes to 3.47 million tonnes. Monthly production trend While analysing the monthly trend this year, it is observed that the United States primary aluminium production ranged between 52,000 and 57,000 tonnes, following a peak in the first month of the year amounting to 63,000 tonnes. Similarly, scrap recovery was mostly around 292,000 to...
UK aerosol industry sees resurgence in 2024 after a three-year stagnation
The United Kingdom aerosol industry marked a return to growth phase in 2024 after a three-years declining notion, with total production rising to 1.45 billion units, a 1.97 per cent increase over 2023. After a prolonged period of stagnation between 2021 and 2023, where production hovered around 1.44 billion units, this uptick signals renewed momentum for the sector. The figures, released by the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association (BAMA), are based on contributions from UK-based fillers and are considered a reliable snapshot of current market activity. Alike world trend, UK’s personal care aerosols continue to dominate, accounting for approximately 75 per cent of all fillings in 2024. According to retail sales data from Kantar World Panel, this category saw a 3 per cent increase over...
