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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Decarbonising aluminium, a roadmap from Outlook 2025
The aluminium industry stands at a turning point in its path to sustainability. With mounting regulatory pressures, bold corporate ambitions, and accelerating innovation in clean energy technologies, the industry is keenly engaged in decarbonising its footprint. The shift is not without difficulties, but it also holds tremendous opportunities to align with global climate ambitions. This article discusses the most important factors influencing the decarbonisation roadmap based on the Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025 . The transition to renewable energy: The use of renewable energy is one of the most important measures to decrease carbon emissions in the aluminium industry. Renewables will provide 45 to 50 per cent of the world's power supply by 2030 and rise to 60 to 70 per cent by...
Hydro’s 2024 performance unveiled: a recapitulation of finance, sustainability, and social responsibility
Norsk Hydro’s 2024 was challenging, but the business had an overall growth-hinting year. There have been several superlative financial, environmental, and social achievements during the calendar year. Financial performance While there was a drop in adjusted Return on Average Capital Employed (RoaCE) from 22.2 per cent in 2022 to 8.5 per cent in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA standing at NOK 26.3 billion. Hydro has overseen the pursuit of its profitability target of over 10 per cent across the cycle. The company reported NOK 10.1 billion (USD 907.98 million) in accumulated improvements through its ongoing programme against the 2018 baseline, edging closer to its target of NOK 9.5 billion by 2024. Commercial ambitions also saw NOK 2.6 billion in accumulated improvements, reinforcing Hydro’s...
November records a strong monthly surge of 12.64% in US aluminium scrap exports with Thailand bagging the top position
The United States is one of the leading aluminium scrap exporters in the world. As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS) data, in November 2024, a total of 196,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap was exported from the US, which, when compared to Y-o-Y, reflected a significant surge of 20.24 per cent or 33,000 tonnes. For November 2023, the amount stood at 163,000 tonnes. The USGS data further revealed that from January to November (2024), a total of 1,920,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap was exported from the US. Y-o-Y comparison showed that for the same span of time in 2023 a total of 1,900,000 tonnes of scrap was exported, recording a modest year-to-date (Y-T-D) hike of 20,000 tonnes. Month-on-month (M-o-M), aluminium scrap exports in November recorded a substantial 12.64% growth...
Hindalco unfazed by Trump’s tariff bombshell — Novelis has leverage over share prices!
The US President’s surprise move to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports has sent shockwaves across global markets. However, industry experts have reinstated their trust upon Hindalco’s 100 per cent subsidiary Novelis, confirming that it is well-equipped to weather this storm. The 20-year-old Atlanta-based business has been owned by Indian metals company Hindalco Industries since 2007. Novelis, a major exporter of aluminium to the US, has made a recent USD 2.5 billion investment in a new plant in Alabama and is seen as a strategic hedge against potential tariff impact. Brokerage firm Nuvama says ‘the effect of tariff imposition, if it happens, shall be minimal on Novelis’s earnings’. The Hindalco management has indicated that any increase in aluminium prices due...
US aluminium industry faces crisis as smelter closures undermine tariff protections
The United States’ aluminium sector is facing an existential crisis, with the number of operational smelters dwindling to just four. Despite the 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports introduced by the Trump administration, the primary aluminium industry remains in decline, struggling with high energy costs and competitive pressures from overseas—particularly China. Tariffs and the reality on the ground Trade groups representing US steel and aluminium producers have welcomed decisive trade actions, including tariffs, arguing they are necessary to counter unfair competition. However, the CEO of the Aluminum Association has acknowledged a harsh reality, “There is not enough smelting capacity in the United States to supply the growing aluminium industry with the input materials it...
Sarginsons unveils AI-powered aluminium subframes amidst rising demand for lighter vehicles
Groundbreaking designs have demonstrated that aluminium components used across various transport modes can be made nearly 50 per cent lighter without sacrificing strength. Coventry-based casting firm Sarginsons Industries has unveiled new designs showcasing a significant breakthrough in automotive lightweighting. However, did you know that the global aluminium castings consumption is on a steady rise and is expected to reflect a 3.36 per cent growth in 2025? To learn more, get your hands on AL Circle's recently curated report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025," which provides more information about the industry. About the technology These designs are the initial outcomes of the Performance Integrated Vehicle Optimisation Technology (PIVOT) project, led by Sarginsons in...
NALCO raises concerns over 25% US aluminium tariffs: where will India’s export go next, and how will the market cope with surplus?
Following Donald Trump's firm statement —"No exemptions, no exceptions" on a 25 per cent tariff on imported aluminium and steel on Tuesday, February 11—India’s state-owned National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has come up with valuable insights into the potential impact on global price trends. NALCO emphasised that these tariffs are likely to weigh on global aluminium prices, much like the effects seen in late 2018, 2019, and 2020 after similar trade measures were imposed during Trump’s first term. After Donald Trump introduced an additional 10 per cent tariff on aluminium and 25 per cent on steel in 2018, the average global aluminium price on London Metal Exchange dropped to $1,931.45 per tonne at the end of the same year, which further decreased in the succeeding years to an...
Here’s how these 5 countries responded to the US aluminium tariff imposition
In a debate-worthy move, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, leaving major trade partners scrambling to negotiate exemptions. The tariffs, set to take effect on March 4, 2025, have been met with widespread criticism and warnings of potential trade wars. The United States, a significant importer of steel and aluminium, sources nearly a quarter of its steel from foreign suppliers, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Its dependence on aluminium is even greater. Key suppliers include neighbouring Canada and Mexico, as well as several Asian allies. Trump has stated that the tariffs will be implemented “without exceptions or exemptions,” a decision that has prompted varied reactions from global partners. Canada...
US closes aluminium tariff loopholes: Will the domestic industry really applaud Trump’s bold move?
In a policy shift announcement on Monday, February 10, the United States government has brought forth the decree to implement a 25 per cent tariff on all primary aluminium imports, effective March 4, 2025. The executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, aims to bolster the country’s domestic aluminium industry and address long-standing concerns over unfair international trade practices. US aluminium imports in 2024 from top 10 countries worldwide The newly enforced tariff removes previous exemptions and quota deals, closing loopholes that had allowed nearly 75 per cent of aluminium imports to bypass tariffs. Domestic entities anticipate this move will benefit American aluminium producers, including Century Aluminum, a leading primary aluminium manufacturer based in Chicago. Century...
Novelis' Q3 fiscal results hit by volatile aluminium scrap prices, says CEO: net income declines 9% Y-o-Y
Novelis Inc., the international arm of Hindalco Industries Limited and the world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, has announced its third-quarter results demonstrating a further downfall in financial performance. According to Steve Fisher, president and CEO of Novelis Inc., the increased competition in the scrap aluminium industry, with many more players joining, is creating significant pressure on pricing and eventually impacting their financial results. According to the Q3 report, Novelis' net income stood at $110 million, further down by 14 per cent from $128 million in the previous quarter and 9 per cent lower than $121 million during the corresponding period of the last year. Net income attributable to common shareholders, excluding special items, was $119 million versus...
“We, as Intals, are finalising the renovation of a new facility: GML.The mission of GML is simple yet ambitious: to recover aluminium from materials that are difficult to process using traditional methods,” Alessandro Colla, Purchase and Sales Manager, Intals S.p.A
Intals S.p.A. is a leading European company specialising in aluminium recycling. With origins dating back to 1902 in a small artistic aluminium foundry in central Milan, Intals has established itself as a key player in the European aluminium recovery and recycling industry. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Alessandro Colla, Purchase and Sales Manager at Intals, has shared his insights into the company’s mission and vision, upcoming projects, investment strategies, and the evolving landscape of the European aluminium recycling market. Read on to discover how Intals is reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry. Image source: LinkedIn, Intals AL Circle: How would you describe the transformation in the secondary aluminium industry over less than a decade? Alessandro Colla : In the...
Top 20 headlines from January 2025 marking a sharp beginning of the year in the global aluminium industry
At the beginning of 2025, primary aluminium and its essential raw materials witnessed some significant developments in key areas like production, value, projects, and trade policies. Additionally, advancements in technology, sustainability initiatives, and geopolitical factors occurred and reshaped the industry's future. The downstream sector has not shied away from some critical progress driven by rising demand and a strong push towards sustainability. Staying informed about these critical updates is important for gaining valuable insights into the current market, anticipating potential market dynamics, adapting strategies, and making well-informed strategic decisions for business growth. So, here's to the top 20 headlines from across the aluminium value chain in January 2025. Updates...
Japan’s aluminium market in 2024: Rising imports, falling domestic demand
Japan’s aluminium industry in 2024 has been a tale of two contrasting trends—rising primary aluminium imports but weakening domestic demand. While imports grew by 1.9 per cent to 1.05 million tonnes, domestic consumption continued to decline, especially in key sectors such as construction and automotive. Changing import dynamics Japan’s import landscape saw significant shifts in 2024. Australia remained the country’s top supplier, exporting nearly 300,000 tonnes and accounting for over 28 per cent of total imports. Brazil followed with 170,000 tonnes, representing 16 per cent of imports. However, the most striking changes were in shipments from the UAE and India, which increased sharply, offsetting the steep drop in Russian supplies. India’s aluminium exports to Japan surged by 25 per...
Trump administration revisits aluminium tariffs: US traders brace for impact
In a recent development, President Donald Trump announced a one-month suspension of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican aluminium imports just days after announcing their imposition. The temporary pause, which extends until March 1, 2025, signals potential renegotiations over trade concerns and border security issues, raising uncertainty for US aluminium importers and domestic manufacturers alike. Tariff turbulence: Domestic industry impacted Already familiar with tariff-induced disruptions, the aluminium industry faces renewed concerns as traders and manufacturers brace for possible policy changes. Section 232 tariffs, imposed in 2018 during Trump’s first term, introduced a 10 per cent duty on aluminium imports, citing national security threats due to over-reliance on foreign...
Upstream recap: From Donald Trump’s tariff declaration to tariff reprieve to aluminium price hike, this week sees it all
All eyes have been on the primary aluminium industry ever since Donald Trump directed his administration to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Where will the United States source its downstream aluminium raw materials, and where will Canada redirect its primary metal? Trump's tariff declaration has led to too many questions while at the same time sparked a level of controversy with the President's most recent decision to reprieve his North American neighbours. Amid all this, there are also some other unignorable highlights from this week's upstream aluminium industry, such as a 26 per cent rise in Jamaican alumina export value, strong prediction for a 2025 aluminium price hike based on foreseen supply deficit in the market, Alcoa's substantial financial gains but bearish outlook...
Editors Pick: Where art meets sustainability, aluminium’s expanding role from industry to daily life
Can you believe we're already in the second month of 2025? Time seems to be racing ahead, never pausing—much like aluminium, the metal that never stops. Welcome back to another edition of Editor's Pick, where we bring you the latest launches, innovations, and developments shaping the aluminium industry. In this edition, we look at some of the key events that unfolded in January 2025—a month that arrived like the first page of an unwritten book, filled with promise and edged with the golden glow of new beginnings. Are you interested in knowing about the end-user market and its potential landscape for 2025? Get your hands on AL Circle's latest report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025" , and stay ahead of the curve. The aluminium end-use market in 2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic...
Alumina serves as a backbone to Jamaica’s revenue earnings from exports, with 26% rise in nine months of 2024
Jamaica’s alumina export value increased by 25.9 per cent, totalling US$447.3 million during the first nine months of 2024. This growth has contributed to a 17 per cent rise in Jamaica’s overall export revenue from the mining and quarrying sector to US$500.7 million. In the first quarter of 2024, Jamaica’s alumina export value was US$132.2 million versus US$89.2 million during the corresponding period of the previous year. In the next quarter, Jamaica’s earnings from alumina exports grew further, contributing to a 27 per cent boost in mineral export revenues. But despite the steady rise in Jamaica’s alumina export value, the Caribbean country’s domestic export value through the first nine months of 2024 fell 10.8 per cent to US$1,360.5 million, caused by a sharp contraction in re-exports...
US-China trade war escalates as Trump grants 30-day reprieve to North American neighbours
Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary, White House, publicly declared on Friday, January 31, in a news briefing that the US would begin imposing 25 per cent tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico and a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China starting February 01. Whereas just ahead of implementation, after much negotiation and last-minute diplomacy, US President Donald Trump has made a late-night declaration to a 30-day pause agreement on his 25 per cent tariff imposition against Mexico and Canada. The decision came as the US president conversed with his counterpart in Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. He also exchanged telephone messages with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It pulled the American neighbours back from the verge of a potentially raging trade war. However, the 10...
