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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World primary aluminium production sees limited growth in two months, weighed down by February’s drop
In the first two months of 2025, the world's primary aluminium production represented a year-on-year increase of 0.85 per cent, amounting to 11.88 million tonnes, which was significantly offset by declines M-o-M, according to the International Aluminium Institute's data. Following January when the world output was 6.235 million tonnes, slightly down by 0.30 per cent from 6.254 million tonnes, the production in February reached 5.645 million tonnes, further down by 9.46 per cent M-o-M. Fewer operation days likely contributed to the decline, even though daily production slightly increased from 201,100 tonnes in January to 201,600 tonnes. Alongside, reduced output in some of the primary aluminium-producing regions played a critical role in the overall drop for February. Even on a...
Meeting scheduled: India to negotiate before US reciprocal tariff commissions on April 2
India has taken a step ahead to negotiate terms with the United States this week as the date for reciprocal tariff implementation, as announced by the US federal government, is approaching soon. To make things official of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), the teams from both nations are going to make BTA the key focus of a scheduled meeting within the next couple of days. With such an agenda, a team of United States (US) officials, headed by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, are coming to New Delhi to have talks with their counterparts in India. Image Source: https://www.asiainglobalaffairs.in/ Both parties seek to furnish the first phase of a mutually worthwhile arrangement by fall 2025. The meetings are organised a week ahead of the United States reciprocal...
AL Circle x CETIZION Verifica: Internet of Things is indeed a strong pillar of sustainability and ESG initiatives
AL Circle presents an enriching conversation with Ganga C Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of CETIZION Verifica Pvt Ltd, wherein he shares his personal views on the sustainability practices of the Indian and global aluminium industry. According to Mr Sharma, India is leading by example, and the world is closely watching its activities and following its footsteps. He says IoT plays a critical role in sustainability and ESG initiatives, and also offers an exciting outlook on CBAM, describing it as a balance of risk and opportunities, depending on how the companies adapt to the new regulation. To know more of his unique and valuable insights, read the full interview. AL Circle: Could you please provide a brief overview of your company and the services you offer? Ganga C Sharma: Cetizion...
The sanctions gamble: Who wins, who loses in the continent’s economic battles?
The contemporary landscape of international relations is increasingly defined by the deployment of economic sanctions. Once considered a blunt instrument of last resort, these measures have become a favoured tool for nations seeking to exert influence, punish transgressions, or compel policy shifts. Yet, the efficacy and broader ramifications of these economic straitjackets (specifically the European Union’s sanction upon Russia) are far from straightforward. Image for representational purposes only Today, we delve into the intricate world of EU sanction, exploring their genesis, the multifaceted impacts they inflict on both the targeted and the imposing, and the swirling debates that question their very purpose and morality. Unmasking the sanction: origins and objectives The imposition...
GCC imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium imports to limit $1 billion foreign goods
More anti-dumping duties are on the way to Chinese aluminium products. After India, now the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are imposing duties on China for flooding their countries with aluminium products at unfair prices. The news came on Thursday, March 20, after the GCC Ministerial Committee, composed of industry ministers, announced the move officially. This decision follows the recommendation from the GCC Permanent Committee for Anti-Injurious Practices in International Trade to impose import tariffs on aluminium alloy products originating from China. The duties being levied on Chinese aluminium products include flat or grained rectangular (including square) aluminium alloy sheets, plates, coils, strips, coated or coloured, with a 2-8 mm thickness. Why this move? The growing...
Flat 25% is a myth, US tariffs can go upto 50% (read 225%) for global businesses!
Okay, first things first to be straightened out — the US aluminium and steel tariff implemented is not the only tariff that businesses have to pay while exporting commodities to the nation’s backyard. If a country was paying a 10 per cent tariff to export aluminium goods to the US, they are now not paying 25 per cent but a 35 (10+25) per cent tariff for the good. All of the secrets lie in the word 'additional'! Image for representational purposes only In February 2025, the US administration reinstated and broadened Section 232 tariffs, imposing a flat 25 per cent ad valorem duty on all steel and aluminium imports, effective from March 12, 2025. The tariffs were imposed through Presidential Proclamations 10895 and 10896, signed on February 10, 2025. The updated tariffs now encompass both...
Impact or no impact on India’s $1 billion aluminium exports due to Trump’s tariffs? Discover here…
The ongoing debate about the impact of the Trump administration's tariff increase from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on India's aluminium exports is generating considerable discussion. While various industry leaders offer different viewpoints, it is essential to understand India's current aluminium export relations with the United States. According to the data revealed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's aluminium exports to the US were valued at US$946 million during 2023-24, following USD 1,097 million worth of exports in 2022-23. Image source: Vedanta Official trade data suggests India's aluminium export value to the US exceeded USD 1 billion for two consecutive years. In 2021-22, the value reached USD 1.1 billion, marking a sharp rise of 117.5 per cent Y-o-Y, compared to...
Swiss government rolls out energy subsidies to protect domestic steel and aluminium sectors
Switzerland has taken a decisive step (it was really high time!) to safeguard its steel and aluminium industries from mounting electricity costs. The government has announced a subsidy programme wherein the Swiss authorities pledged CHF 37 million (USD 42 million) in financial aid to four key industrial players, including Swiss Steel and Stahl Gerlafingen. The measure, effective from January 2025, will run until the end of 2028, aiming to maintain domestic production and preserve jobs in these energy-intensive sectors. Image for representational purposes only Electricity prices have seen a cosmic soar in the past few years, resulting in immense financial strain on the nation’s steel and aluminium producers, which the recent government initiative is anticipated to cushion. The industry...
Indian aluminium industry pleas for urgent duty relief as it braces for global competition
In a rapidly evolving global metals scene, the Indian aluminium sector has found itself at a critical juncture. The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has formally called on the government to extend the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for aluminium-producing units operating under Advance Authorisation (AA), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This intervention, as warned by the industry leaders, is essential to safeguard India’s export competitiveness and domestic manufacturing growth. Image for representational purposes only India ranks as the world’s second-largest producer of aluminium, boasting an impressive annual production capacity of 4.1 million tonnes and witnessing investments exceeding USD 20 billion in domestic...
Hulamin's 2024 earnings struggle despite aluminium can body demand recovery; new strategies in place for 2025
On Monday, March 17, Hulamin, a South African company specialised in producing rolled and extruded aluminium products, reported bearish annual earnings that ended December 31 2024, alleging operational challenges as a primary cause for constraint. According to Hulamin CEO Meganathan Gounder, operational challenges and persistent pricing pressure in certain streams, such as export can stock and standards, offset the earnings improvement despite robust demand in the local market, particularly for can body. He said in a statement , "The 2024 financial year began with promise as market conditions showed significant improvement, particularly in the export segments. Demand recovery brought renewed opportunities, although pricing pressures in certain streams, such as export can stock and...
Global leaders condemn US tariff escalations leading to a deepening trade rift
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global economic community, US President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs, notably a 25 per cent levy on steel and aluminium imports. This aggressive stance has elicited a chorus of reactions from world leaders, each grappling with the implications for their respective economies and the broader international trade landscape. Image for representational purposes only Iran is not in agreement to bend or, fend or mend “Won’t negotiate, do whatever the hell you want”, said the Iran President to Trump. “It is unacceptable for us that they (the US) give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want”, state media quoted Masoud Pezeshkian as saying. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on...
Rusal’s 2024 operational and financial performances neither touched by bans nor by surging alumina prices
Russian aluminium boycott by Western countries, drop in product sales, particularly primary aluminium and alloys, and increased alumina costs – nothing could stop Rusal from experiencing a growth in profit in 2024. According to the company’s annual financial and operational results released on Friday, March 14, Rusal’s net profit in 2024 saw a leap of 184.75 per cent Y-o-Y from USD 282 million to USD 803 million, driven by higher prices of aluminium in the global market. The company’s gross profit stood at USD 2,821 million, up by 59.56 per cent from USD 1,768 million. Rusal’s aluminium and alumina production also successfully navigated high alumina costs, recording year-on-year growth of 3.7 per cent and 25.27 per cent. In 2024, the company produced 3.992 million tonnes of aluminium,...
Aluminium cans market poised for robust growth by 2035 at a CAGR of 4.1%
The demand for aluminium in the packaging sector is primarily driven by beverage cans. Key factors fuelling the rising demand for beverage cans include the growing younger consumer base, the introduction of new product variations, and heightened environmental awareness among stakeholders. As per the data shared by Metal Packager, the global aluminium cans market is poised for significant growth. The projection suggests a hike from $61.1 billion in 2024 to $63.2 billion by 2025 and further expands to $94.5 billion by 2035. However, if we see the analysis by AL Circle, published in their report titled , "ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer trends and market dynamics", the global aluminium cans market in 2023 reached US$55.5 billion in 2023, which further escalated to US$58.2 billion in 2024....
“We recognise that exemptions are not easily granted. Despite the challenges, it remains crucial to maintain open communication with US counterparts,” Helin Öcal & Djibril René from European Aluminium
Like us, you may also be concerned about the impact of the US aluminium and steel tariffs on cross-border trade dynamics. With numerous questions and uncertainties in mind, we reached out to Helin Öcal, Trade Manager, and Djibril René, Director of Industry & Market Intelligence at European Aluminium. They were patient in explaining the potential consequences of the 25 per cent tariffs while reassuring us that talks and negotiations would continue and solutions would likely emerge, as the aluminium industry cannot function without international supply chains. They also highlighted that new trade flow patterns would surface if the tariffs persist. It is now crucial to observe how governments and companies choose to respond. Stay tuned to the full interview with Ms Öcal and Mr Djibril René...
EU hits back with a billion-euro counterpunch as persuasive tactics fail to tackle US tariffs
The US steel and aluminium tariff has come into effect from March 12, and in response to it, the European Commission has launched immediate countermeasures on US imports into the European Union (EU). In a decisive retaliation against the US steel and aluminium tariffs, the European Commission has unveiled a package of countermeasures targeting US imports worth up to EUR 26 billion. The move signals a firm stance: if the US chooses to escalate the trade conflict, the EU will respond with equal force. Persuasion strategy tastes the dust President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, a steep 25 per cent on industrial steel and aluminium imports — took effect on March 12, impacting an estimated USD 28 billion in EU exports. This isn’t entirely unexpected. Trump has long expressed his scepticism of...
Back-and-forth announcements, retaliatory tariffs and uncertain timelines hog US aluminium businesses
A couple of days after implementing the 25 per cent tariff on all aluminium and steel imports, US President Donald Trump exempted neighbouring nations Canada and Mexico from tariffs, but only for commodities included in the trade agreement of 2019 — the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, the tariff payments made between March 4 and March 6 — when importers had already paid for goods in transit — will not be refunded, according to White House officials. Image source: https://mr.usembassy.gov/ In a fresh twist, mere hours after threatening to end Canada's exemption, the US has now imposed a staggering 50 per cent tariff just as Canada attempted to negotiate by leveraging energy supply tariffs from them to the US. Official statements regarding the exemption are...
Two contrast sequences set to boost China’s aluminium smelters’ profitability, offsetting tariff losses. What are they?
Good news is on the horizon for China's domestic aluminium smelters, as they are poised to see higher profits due to two contrasting sequences – 1) a drop in alumina prices and 2) an increase in primary aluminium prices driven by increased demand in the solar energy and automobile sectors. According to the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) survey, China's domestic alumina prices have decreased to RMB 3,357 per tonne (USD 462.36 per tonne) as of March 11 from a record high of RMB 5,770 per tonne (USD795 per tonne) in 2024. Image - Chinalco smelter Going forward, China's average alumina price in the spot market is likely to reach even below RMB 3,000 per tonne, the weakest since the end of 2023, as projected by Zhang Meng, an analyst with AZ China Ltd. This shift in Chinese aluminium raw...
Ardagh's strong 2024 fiscal year, marked by 2% revenue growth, highlights robust can shipments and comprehensive strategy
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), a global leader in supplying sustainable and infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans, has reported strong financial outcomes for 2024, supported by robust operations and a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Image source: Ardagh Metal Packaging Backed by 4 per cent growth in European beverage can shipments and 2 per cent in American shipments, the Luxembourg-headquartered company achieved a revenue of $4,908 million in 2024, up by 2 per cent Y-o-Y from $4,812 million in 2023. The European business unit contributed USD 2,161 million to the Group's annual revenue, while the Americas business unit added USD 2,747 million. Ardagh's Adjusted EBITDA grew by 12 per cent from $600 million to $672 million, resulting in a minimised loss per share. According to the...
