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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Century Aluminum in 2024: Steady net sales, increased net income and 5-year high production signal key turning point
Century Aluminum Company, a global primary aluminium producer with operations in the United States and Iceland, has posted about its booming year ended December 31, 2024, with a new 5-year high record production at Sebree, steady net sales, and increased net income amid surging energy costs and raw material prices. Image source: Century Aluminum On February 20, 2025, the company released its financial and operational results attributing all the gains to a nonrecurring benefit from a force majeure settlement, recovery from Hurricane Beryl, improved realised metal prices, and flattering Inflation Reduction Act 45X, which was an Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit to promote US production of critical minerals, including primary aluminium. For the entire year, Century reported its net...
Trump tariffs cause sleepless nights for the food & beverage industry! How will they manage the rising costs?
Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff on imported aluminium and steel has left many domestic industries worried about price hikes of end products, including the food retail industry, as it is one of the largest consumers of these metals, relying heavily on imports. The local and small companies of soft drinks, beer, and pre-packaged foods are bracing for price rises. Although breweries have yet to receive feedback from can manufacturers on how they expect the tariff to impact aluminium can pricing, they hope for no positive effects. "If everything goes up [to] 25 per cent, that's all the margin for a small business," said Matt Malloy, co-founder of Dorchester Brewing. "It becomes a push, and then it becomes not worth it any longer." Two weeks earlier, a giant like Coca-Cola also warned of...
China market update: Aluminium derivatives pricing trend decoded
Last week’s market has been all about dynamic pricing across the aluminium sector — both for AL as a product and, in turn, for the affected allied industries. The market spots records of resuming downstream production after a prolonged Chinese holiday break. Hence, owing to the growing bullish sentiment in the new-energy auto sector, prices for several key primary commodities (generally termed as primary or raw material) show distinctive trends that market participants should closely monitor. Aluminium: upward momentum with consolidated ranges Aluminium prices have registered a fair increase, with the LME average price rising by 0.46 per cent to USD 2,648 per tonne. In China, the mainstream SHFE price now stands at approximately RMB 20,720 per tonne (USD 2,890 per tonne), marking a 0.56...
A new hero in the AL business — wire rods grasp the global market, India’s notable footprint has not gone unnoticed
Aluminium wire rods may not grab headlines daily, but they are the silent workhorses powering everything from the lights in our homes to the vehicles on the road. These cylindrical rods, celebrated for their high conductivity, strength, and adaptability, are vital to electrical transmission systems, building infrastructure, and manufacturing processes. What makes aluminium wire rods so special? Their excellent conductivity and lightweight properties make them the go-to choice for cable production, overhead power lines, and electrical wiring. Beyond the electrical world, their corrosion resistance and recyclability make them indispensable in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors—helping companies meet their sustainability goals by offering energy-efficient, lightweight...
World primary aluminium production in Jan’25 represents an average of 7-3% rise in major producing regions
The first month of 2025 began with a 2.73 per cent Y-o-Y rise in primary aluminium production but experienced a mild monthly dip, as shown by the International Aluminium Institute data. The annual growth was primarily backed by almost all the major global primary aluminium-producing regions, barring North America and Oceania. However, monthly output was affected by declines of 1,000 tonnes each in Africa and North America. Image source: Freepik According to IAI, the world's primary aluminium production in January 2025 totalled 6.252 million tonnes versus 6.254 million tonnes in December 2024 and 6.086 million tonnes in January 2024. The daily average output was 201,700 tonnes, representing no change from the previous month but a growth of 2.75 per cent Y-o-Y from 196,300 tonnes. Insights...
US backs Russia instead of Europe for the first time in draft resolution by Ukraine – is this a shift in trade ties?
The United States' unprecedented support for Russia in blocking a draft resolution by Ukraine at the United Nations has sent shockwaves through the market as soon as the news surfaced today, February 25. For the first time in three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States has come out in support of Russia. The resolution called for "de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine, marked by enormous destruction and human suffering, including among the civilian population, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and international law". Backing Russia, United States President Donald Trump stated that "major economic development transactions with Russia" could take place, and just hours after the statement, Putin...
Feasibility check: Why the US aluminium industry can’t afford to lose Canada
The United States and Canada have long shared more than just a border — they’ve built an aluminium supply chain that’s deeply intertwined and vital to both economies. As the US grapples with declining aluminium production and mounting energy costs, the importance of Canada’s role has never been clearer. Let’s break down why the US aluminium industry leans so heavily on its northern neighbour — and why replacing Canada simply isn’t an option. Image Source: https://www.benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/ A shrinking giant: The state of US aluminium production Once a global leader in aluminium production, the US now produces just 1.2 per cent of the world’s aluminium supply. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the US had a primary aluminium production capacity of 1.36 million tonnes in...
‘Speed but not haste’: India and UK renew their trade vows after eight-month pause
India and the UK have resumed negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) after an eight-month break on Monday, February 24, with the two sides of the table focussing on a triple hike in bilateral trade with a ‘mutually beneficial and forward-looking’ deal by going past tariff and non-tariff issues while protecting each other’s ‘sensitivities’. The statement of affirmation was mutually declared by India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. The Bilateral Trade Agreement sessions between the United Kingdom and India involve negotiation on 26 tangents, which include goods and services, intellectual property rights, sustainability along with labour rights for both nations. According to the International Monetary Fund...
Alba’s 2024 done right with whopping financial growth and record production, but uncertainty looms for 2025
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest smelter ex-China, has announced its fourth quarter and full-year results for 2024, reporting an impressive growth in financial output, coincided with its new high of net finished production at 1,622,261 tonnes. Image source: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. Fiscal figure In the fourth quarter of the year, the company yielded a profit of BD37.1 million (US$98.6 million), which was 58.5 per cent higher than a profit of BD23.4 million (US$62.2 million) earned in Q4 2023. For the full year, Alba reported a profit of BD184.5 million (US$490.8 million), up by 56.4 per cent from BD118 million ($313.9 million) . Alba's comprehensive income in Q4 2024 was BD38.1 million (US$101.3 million) against BD16.3 million (US$43.2 million) a year ago – up by 134.4...
The right deal for America and US aluminium: Charles Johnson, president & CEO, The Aluminum Association
Last week, President Trump signed a proclamation strengthening existing Section 232 aluminium tariffs that he originally implemented in 2018 on national security grounds. There’s a lot to like and a lot we support in the president’s action. Though – and this is critical – for our industry’s growth, and for national security, we must maintain tariff-free access to aluminium from Canada. The Aluminum Association welcomes the Trump administration’s focus on this critical material and our industry’s ability to compete. We want and need to open new smelting capacity in the United States, which is President Trump’s intent. It’s been 45 years since the U.S. built a new primary aluminium smelter. Strategic use of these tariffs – paired with unleashed American energy – could help get us there....
Can India’s ‘zero-for-zero’ approach tackle US reciprocal tariffs? Here’s its context, impact and more...
A Global Trade Research Initiative’s (GTRI’s) flagship report on Friday has put the spotlight on a plethora of possibilities for the Indian Government to tackle US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs that can potentially hit the Indian trade setup hard enough. One of which has pulled many eyeballs, including the government itself — India can consider a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff approach, which is practically lowering import duties on select products that it does not import in higher quantities from the US as part of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). On this note, government officials have revealed to a national media publication that the consideration was in full swing, and discussions commenced with stakeholders in sectors like automobiles and auto components, in which...
Indian carbon market coming by 2026, will the aluminium sector fall under its scope?
India is set to launch its much-anticipated carbon market by 2026, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal announced on February 21, 2025. This initiative will be a game-changer for Indian industries, particularly exporters, as they strive to align with global carbon emission standards. By helping businesses curb emissions and transition away from fossil fuels, the move aims to strengthen India's position in the global marketplace while advancing its sustainability goals. Companies in industries like steel and cement are increasingly concerned about the impact of the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes tariffs on high-carbon imports. To remain competitive in the EU market, manufacturers will need to adopt greener energy sources and reduce carbon...
A comprehensive guide to top 7 aluminium-built motorcycles under 500cc
Motorcycle enthusiasts, get ready to rev your engines! Whether you're a city commuter, a leisure traveller, or an adventurous rider, the two-wheeled world has some exciting new offerings for you in 2025. In this article, we'll take a closer look at seven models that are worth considering, with a special focus on their use of aluminium and their price points. Triumph Speed T4: dual-tone elegance Triumph has recently launched the latest iteration of its Speed T4 model, and it's a sight to behold. Available in four new dual-tone colour options – Caspian Blue with Pearl Metallic White, Lava Red Gloss with Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black with Pearl Metallic White, and Phantom Black with Storm Grey – the Speed T4 boasts a sleek and stylish design. Featuring cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke...
CBAM needs fixing — before it’s too late for European aluminium
The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was introduced as a bold step in the fight against climate change. It is meant to prevent carbon leakage—where companies move production to countries with weaker climate policies—by ensuring that imported goods face the same carbon costs as those produced within the EU. In theory, this levels the playing field for European industries while pushing other nations towards greener practices. But there’s a problem: CBAM, in its current form, simply does not work for aluminium. Instead of protecting one of Europe’s most critical industries, it risks making it uncompetitive, increasing costs for manufacturers, and even worsening global emissions. Without urgent reforms, CBAM could do more harm than good. An aluminium industry on the...
NALCO reveals detailed plan for its INR 30,000 crore expansion plans — following five years deemed crucial
NALCO’s announcement of INR 30,000 crore (USD 3.45 billion) investment in aluminium business expansion brought to the public by Union Minister of Coal & Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, is its first major capex in recent times, including setting up an INR 17,000 crore (USD 1.95 billion) aluminium smelter capacity. State-owned Navratna PSU, National Aluminium Company (NALCO), has chalked out a distribution plan for its progressive INR 30,000-crore expansion plan , marking its first massive capital expenditure in contemporary times. The development project is set to conclude by FY30, with an INR 17,000-crore investment in an additional aluminium smelter construction and noteworthy projects in mining and downstream product manufacturing. Global mining leader Rio Tinto Canada...
Each tonne of aluminium manufactured through recycling results in saving of 5-6 tonnes of bauxite, 1-1.5 tonnes of limestone, 20-25 tonnes of water and ~14000 kwh of energy: Mohan Agarwal, MD, CMR Green Technologies
Mohan Agarwal, Managing Director, founded CMR Green Technologies in 2006 with a single plant. Today, the company has grown to 12 plants across India. CMR is a pioneer in the industry to scale up, and over the past few years, it has expanded its metal recycling capacity to over 418,000 tonnes per annum. Since its inception, CMR has recorded a CAGR of over 25 per cent and solidified its position as India's leading producer of aluminium-based die-cast alloy, a critical component for automotive manufacturers. In this Interview, Agarwal has put the spotlight into the Indian aluminium recycling business. He reveals about the dips and floats of the ever-evolving market and shares his experience of surfing through the tides of time. AL Circle: What is the primary business model of CMR Green...
Market volatility and geopolitical risks drive China’s aluminium prices higher
The past week has been all about the dynamic shift driven by rising domestic prices, US tariff policies, and fluctuating supply-demand dynamics in the global aluminium market. According to various news platforms, Chinese aluminium spot prices have hiked to RMB 20,524 per tonne (USD 2,862 per tonne) in South China, followed by RMB 20,504 per tonne (USD 2,859 per tonne) in East China. Both the regions were separately up 1.67 per cent and 1.65 per cent week-on-week. This increase was fuelled by a 0.84 per cent gain in LME prices to USD 2,636 per tonne, trending higher by 1.51 per cent week-on-week along with stronger downstream demand. Meanwhile, a potential speed-breaker looms as the US, under the Trump administration, has imposed a 10 per cent tariff from February and intends to slap...
Japan and Vietnam pilot through individualistic route to deal with Trump’s tariff
Japan has officially requested an exemption from US President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium, as well as other reciprocal tariffs, according to a report from Tokyo-based Kyodo News. Meanwhile, Vietnam is prepared to engage with the United States to discuss the new tariffs on steel imposed by Washington, aiming to avoid the risk of additional duties, as stated by a spokesperson for its foreign ministry. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made the request during a brief exchange with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Iwaya also expressed Japan’s eagerness to hold high-level security talks between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations “at an early date.” According to a statement from...
