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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Aluminium alloy ingot prices take a wild turn, with record highs in the US and slumping in China
It’s a tale of two markets, wherein aluminium alloy ingot prices in China are stuck in the mud owing to downsized demand, and the US is witnessing an explosive spike, fuelled by tariffs and supply strains. Let’s break down what’s happening on the opposite sides of the globe. China is stuck in a demand drought In late February 2025, aluminium alloy ingot prices in China dipped by 0.4 per cent, dragged down by one relentless factor — weak demand. Market participants report that even though work has resumed across upstream and downstream sectors, overall demand remains painfully soft. The result? A glut in supply coupled with meek demand from across the nation’s businesses ultimately kept the prices firmly range-bound. According to Shanghai Metals Market data, On February 18, secondary...
World alumina production in January 2025 impacted by South America, Europe, Oceania and China
According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) survey, the world alumina production (including chemical-grade alumina) in January 2025 showed a slight month-on-month decline, totalling 12.83 million tonnes versus 12.852 million tonnes in December 2024. Probing into the output A closer look at the monthly alumina production reveals that metallurgical-grade alumina output remained stable at 12.111 million tonnes in January 2025, compared to 12.116 million tonnes in December 2024. Chemical-grade alumina production, on the other hand, registered a 2.31 per cent fall M-o-M from 736,000 tonnes to 719,000 tonnes, leading to a downfall of overall alumina production in January.The world’s daily average metallurgical-grade alumina production in January 2025 was 390,700 tonnes, compared to...
An open question: Is Trump postponing tariff implementation to balance trade and buy some time for critical mineral agreement finalisation?
In a period defined by high-stakes trade battles and international power plays, few episodes have captured as much attention as the Trump administration’s sudden decision to postpone tariffs on Canada and Mexico. With a punchy mix of economic strategy and geopolitical manoeuvring, this move has been dissected from every angle—from trade negotiations to resource security and even to controversial diplomatic meetings with Ukraine. In a clear-cut policy shift, the Trump administration announced that the planned tariffs on key imports from Canada and Mexico, tariffs initially slated to hit the markets with full force, would be delayed. Official statements at the time emphasised that this postponement was meant to provide room for further trade negotiations and to secure better terms for US...
US aluminium premiums spike to a record $900/t, fueling hope for Novelis’ bottom line boost. But how?
The soaring price premiums for aluminium on the physical market in the United States are believed to benefit Novelis, the US subsidiary of Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Hindalco Industries. A Reuters report on March 5 highlighted that aluminium premium prices in the US physical market surged to a record high of $900 per tonne, up nearly 60 per cent since the start of 2025, on the account of looming threats of 25 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel imports by the Trump administration. This increase in the so-called Midwest premium over the LME prices is set to boost Novelis' bottom line. Utsav Verma, Head of Research - Institutional Equities, Choice Broking also confirmed that the immediate impact of aluminum tariffs by the US could be positive for Novelis, as the spike in US aluminium...
Here’s what GIADEC’s new CEO thinks about Ghana’s integrated aluminium industry and the impact of the bauxite export ban
Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) is striving to become a leading contributor to the country's economic development under the leadership of its newly appointed acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah. Image source: LinkedIn (GIADEC) Mr Twumasi Ankrah, GIADEC's new CEO and a distinguished lawyer with extensive experience across multiple legal domains, is prepared to embrace a new challenge to add further value to the work of his predecessor and position GIADEC as a leading force for national advancement by supporting and advancing the indigenous aluminium value chain – the vision with which an act of Parliament established GIADEC. Mr Ankrah addressed the staff durbar this week, meant to welcome the new CEO of the Corporation, by sharing...
Net-zero derailed: BP's fiery oil gambit ignites climate fury, betting big on market comeback
Amid a turbulent market and a rapidly shifting energy landscape, BP (formerly known as British Petroleum) has embarked on a bold strategic pivot that has sent ripples through both the financial and environmental communities. Image for referential purposes only The incident, which caught the eyeballs of climate activists The London-based energy giant, once celebrated for its progressive green ambitions, has decided to reallocate its focus back to its historically profitable oil and gas production. This dramatic turnaround, revealed in the company’s “Reset BP” announcement, comes on the heels of a year marked by staggering share price declines and the desperate hope of reviving investor confidence through increased earnings and boosted shareholder returns. In a move that has sparked fierce...
Constellium posts a 6% drop in revenue on muted aluminium demand. Will its FRP price rise compensate the loss?
Constellium SE, a Paris-based global manufacturer of aluminium rolled products, extruded products, and structural components made from advanced alloys, described 2024 as a challenging year, citing extreme weather conditions and weak demand from end markets as significant operational setbacks. At the end of February 2025, the company reported its financial results, mirroring the prolonged market downturn throughout the year. The company’s revenue saw a hit of 6 per cent compared to the previous year and amounted to $7.3 billion, while its shipments decreased by 4 per cent to 1.4 million tonnes. Consequently, its net income plunged by 61.78 per cent from $157 million in 2023 to $60 million in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for the whole year was $623 million, down by 5.89 per cent Y-o-Y from $662...
Aluminium giant seeks 14% premium hike in Q2, a surging trend set owing to trade and supply concerns
A leading global aluminium manufacturing giant has recently sought a premium of USD 260 per tonne from Japanese buyers for April-June (Q2) primary metal shipments, which is a notable 14 per cent increase from the current quarter (Q1, 2025). This development is nothing but a ripple effect of the persistent volatility in the primary metals market, a simultaneous event along with geopolitical tensions and production constraints continuing to reshape global supply chains. Image Source: Wikipedia Japan, a major importer of aluminium in Asia, plays a pivotal role in regional price formation. The premiums for primary metal shipments are determined quarterly over the London Metal Exchange cash price (CMAL0), a benchmark that reflects prevailing market conditions. Japanese buyers had agreed to a...
US-Ukraine critical minerals deal: A game-changer or just another diplomatic gamble for the metal industry?
Over the past week, the United States and Ukraine have dominated news headlines — but not for the right reasons. After the US announced its support for Russia in blocking Ukraine's draft resolution at the United Nations, global attention shifted towards the US-Ukraine meeting held on February 28, 2025. However, what followed took an unexpected turn, leaving the world stunned. The meeting, which was meant to be a diplomatic milestone, focused on the Mineral Resources Agreement for joint investment in Ukraine's natural resources - including rare-earth elements – quickly spiralled into a heated exchange between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The talks that were intended to seal a significant partnership in the mineral and metal...
Major economic uptick: China’s manufacturing PMI rebounds in February powered by the aluminium industry
China's factory activity accelerated in February, fuelled by stronger supply, rising demand, and a rebound in export orders, according to a private-sector survey released Monday. Seasonal factors linked to the holiday period also contributed to the growth. The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.8 per cent, up from 50.1 per cent in January, reaching a three-month high and surpassing analysts' expectations of 50.3 per cent, as predicted in a Reuters poll. However, towards the end of December, China's aluminium demand faced a major backlash due to the construction sector's deteriorating market condition. As a result, the government introduced some extensive stimulus measures to help the industry grapple with the ongoing challenges. Spearheaded by the People's Bank of China...
US aluminium production marks a 3.5% M-o-M fall in November 2024 following a rebound in October
According to the US Geological Survey, the United States' primary aluminium production experienced a monthly fall of 2,000 tonnes or 3.51 per cent, following a 4 per cent rebound in the previous month. On an annual calculation, the output marked a sharper decline of 9.8 per cent in November, surpassing the year-on-year fall recorded in October 2024. Data revealed the United States' domestic production of primary aluminium in November 2024 was 55,000 tonnes compared to 57,000 tonnes in October and 61,000 tonnes in November 2023. Thus, the United States cumulative output of primary metal from January to November 2024 amounted to 618,000 tonnes, sharply down by 21.57 per cent from 749,000 tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. However, the daily average output in...
China’s renewable energy surges with 356 GW of capacity boost in 2024 – Why is then low-carbon aluminium production lagging?
China continues to spearhead the global transition to renewable energy, achieving remarkable progress in 2024 with an addition of 277 GW of solar and 79 GW of wind capacity — outpacing many other nations. Image source: Freepik These new additions elevated China's total renewable energy capacity (except hydro power) to 1,407 GW, signaling a steady shift towards renewables, with solar power alone contributing 886 GW and wind power accounting for nearly 521 GW. By the end of 2024, China's renewable energy capacity accounted for 15% of the world's total installed capacity for the year alone. The rest of the world added 193 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity in 2024, with the United States contributing 163 GW and India 91 GW. Germany, Japan, Brazil, and Spain followed with additions of 91 GW,...
Australia's hopes for US tariff exemptions dim as Foreign Minister Penny Wong calls it a difficult pursuit
From the early-mid month of February 2025, Australia has been actively seeking an exemption from the United States' 25 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel, claiming the country's contribution to the US domestic market trade surplus as a key justification for securing an exemption. During this process, optimism briefly flickered in the Australian market when US President Donald Trump hinted at a possible reprieve, describing Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as "a very fine man." The hope was further fuelled following a positive phone call between Albanese and Trump on February 11, where they discussed the Aukus defence pact, critical minerals, and mutual foreign investments. Albanese said after the call, "Our aluminium is a critical input for manufacturing in the United...
Investors call the shots — speculative moves eclipse policy shifts in carbon markets
Policy tweaks have played a major role in the European carbon prices — but in the recent couple of days what seems to be the real driver behind is investor behaviour. As the European Commission tweaks with its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), traders and funds are calling the shots, slashing positions in the EU market while doubling down in the UK. Image Source: https://www.worldbank.org/ Investor exodus hits EUAs European carbon allowances (EUAs) fell during the week ending February 28, with December 2025 contracts trading at EURO 72.26 per tonne CO2e (USD 75.19 per tonne CO2e) at 12:45 GMT, down about 4 per cent from the previous week, according to Intercontinental Exchange data. Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, pegged the December 2025 EUA contract at EURO 72.72...
Government under fire over fresh bout of water supply contamination allegation on Alcoa
The Western Australian government faces mounting pressure to defend its commitment to safeguarding Perth's drinking water following a fresh set of revelations about potential contamination risks linked to Alcoa's mining operations on the city's outskirts. Picture for representational purposes only The US mining giant, long accused of jeopardising water safety, has drawn criticism for failing to adequately restore the Jarrah forest, which it has reportedly cleared at its bauxite mine sites. Over the years, Alcoa's operations have edged close to Serpentine Dam, a critical drinking water source, heightening fears of water quality risks. While there is no evidence that Alcoa's activities have directly impacted Perth's water supply, newly obtained documents are declared to paint a more...
Britain’s path to net zero is furthermore challenging as CCC presents stringent moves
Britain is yet again at a turning point in its climate journey, with the Climate Change Committee (CCC) laying down a bold and urgent roadmap to hit net zero by 2050. The message is clear: ditch fossil fuels, embrace electric vehicles and heat pumps, and rethink diets — all while unlocking new economic opportunities. Ambitious climate targets The CCC’s latest carbon budget doesn’t pull any punches — in its seventh carbon budget, the CCC has outlined the need for Britain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 87 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2040, a crucial step towards meeting its net zero target. This updated goal builds upon Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge at last year’s UN COP29 climate summit, where Britain committed to cutting emissions by 81 per cent by 2035. The...
Four-digit profit from just 10 units of Vedanta’s shares? Discover the mid-term outlook…
There is a projection looming that Vedanta’s share price will jump to a target price of INR 600 (US$6.87) following the group’s demerger plan to be executed by the first quarter of FY2025-26. This estimation will most likely materialise, if not by the end of this year, then within the next two. The projection of INR 600 per unit was initially made by a renowned India-based financial firm , Emkay Global, positioning Vedanta as a favourable investment option for those seeking medium-term returns based on expected balanced growth to be delivered by Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium, and Vedanta Power. Aligning with this outlook, Money Mint Idea, an IPO and stock market research platform, has also provided a medium-term forecast for Vedanta’s share price, projecting its trajectory up until...
CBAM vs. FTA: India’s balancing act to tackle climate costs and trade deals with EU
India is walking a razor’s edge. On one side, the promise of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) — a gateway to stronger economic ties. On the other, the looming shadow of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — the EU’s carbon tariff that threatens to squeeze India’s exports of steel, aluminium, and cement. Image Source: European Council on Foreign Relations While several countries, including China, South Africa, Russia and Brazil, have taken the EU to the World Trade Organisation regarding CBAM, rather commonly known as ‘carbon tax’, India is yet to officially take any step mostly as both the parties are on the path of negotiation for trade tariff exemption. However, India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush...
