AL Circle analysis: Germany’s aluminium trade surplus, Novelis’ US expansion, Asia’s EV demand & India’s underutilised downstream capacity
Aluminium’s next growth phase is increasingly being shaped by downstream processing, supply-chain resilience and demand from specialised applications. Germany continues to generate a substantial trade surplus in flat-rolled products despite a shrinking primary aluminium base, while North America is investing in recycling and rolling. Across Asia, new manufacturing capabilities and growing demand from electric vehicles, railways and batteries are creating further opportunities. However, declining exports, underutilised capacity and uneven profitability show that investment alone does not guarantee success. For industry leaders, the challenge is to identify where demand is shifting, develop products that meet customer requirements and ensure that new investments translate into sustainable...
AL Circle Analysis: From Guinea to Gulf, how bauxite, tariffs and logistics redraw aluminium map
Aluminium markets in late 2026 are being shaped by more than the headline LME aluminium price. Bauxite security, alumina availability, geopolitical disruptions, tariff negotiations, logistics diversification and regional premiums are increasingly determining where metal moves and what buyers pay. From RUSAL reassessing Caribbean assets and Vedanta securing Odisha bauxite to Brazil extending mine life and EGA rebuilding its Guinea supply chain, producers are strengthening control over critical raw materials. At the same time, the US remains heavily dependent on imported bauxite and alumina, while Europe and Asia are experiencing sharply different premium dynamics. These developments point to a market where physical availability is becoming a regional factor even as aluminium itself remains...
Grow with
AL Circle
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...
EU’s sanction on Russia heats up aluminium price in transnational market
European Union’s sanction against Russia has unfolded numerous speculations about future trade scope among countries and continents. The EU’s proposal states a one-year phase-in period, with 275,000 tonnes exempted during this transition. This would mean a further decline in the import of Russian primary aluminium. On the one hand, in 2023, 500,000 tonnes were imported from Russia into the EU, on the other, the figure declined to 330,000 tonnes in the period of January to November 2024. The ripple effect of the uncertainty around the trade front has inevitably hit the market pricing segment as well. Pricing trend analysis Aluminium prices hiked 0.18 per cent to INR 253.9 (USD 2.90), owing to supply concerns post the European Union’s (EU’s) decision to phase by phase ban Russian aluminium...
“In terms of investment, our focus is on strengthening GHI Smart Furnaces' position as a leader in providing advanced turnkey solutions for the aluminium recycling sector,” José Domingo Berasategui, CEO of GHI Smart Furnaces
We are honored to have a conversation with José Domingo Berasategui, CEO of GHI Smart Furnaces. After serving for over a decade as General Manager, Berasategui now takes on the role of executive leader, strengthening GHI’s commitment to innovation and excellence. In an exclusive discussion with AL Circle, he shares insights into his new role and responsibilities, his vision for the future of GHI Furnaces, and his strategy for advancing digitalisation. Most importantly, he highlights his mission to embed a culture of innovation and sustainability at GHI, driving transformation from within. AL Circle: Congratulations on your appointment as CEO of GHI Smart Furnaces! Please share your vision for the company's future in terms of investment, innovation, and business operations. José Domingo...
Africa & Asia going strong with alumina production, up 6.5% in 2024; outlook remains bullish with India’s output set to reach 9.7 MT
Africa & Asia (ex-China) ranks as the world's third-largest alumina-producing region after China, Oceania, and South America, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of the world's output annually . In 2024, the region's share of global alumina production increased slightly to exactly 10%, up from 9.65% in the previous year. The contribution has grown in line with the increase in production volume from 13.014 million tonnes in 2023 to 13.859 million tonnes in 2024 , reflecting a Y-o-Y rise of 6.49 per cent, according to the data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute. Throughout 2024, Africa & Asia's (ex-China) alumina production stood between 1.12-1.19 million tonnes. There were only three months when production exceeded 1.2 million tonnes, such as in March, June, and December....
Game-changing technologies in recycling leading towards aluminium’s green revolution
Technology and advancements are the backbone of progress, continuously reshaping how we live, work, and interact with the world. Both are like the invisible thread that connects the simplest tasks to the most extraordinary feats, shaping how we live, work, and explore, from the flick of a switch that brightens a room to the complex orchestration of a spaceship soaring beyond our atmosphere. It is the bridge between imagination and reality, transforming ideas into tools, machines, and systems that redefine human potential. Technological progress is accelerating solutions to global challenges, from artificial intelligence optimising complex data analysis to renewable energy breakthroughs reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. In materials science, for instance, innovations in aluminium...
"Regulatory pressure and increasing environmental requirements are opening up many opportunities for us," Romain Girbal, co-founder of IB2
Romain Girbal, a seasoned entrepreneur and business developer, has over 20 years of experience across various industries. A graduate of HEC Paris with a specialisation in Business Law and Management, Romain is known for his strategic vision and leadership. In 2013, he co-founded Alliance Minière Responsable (AMR), a French bauxite mining company operating in the Republic of Guinea, where he played a pivotal role in fostering responsible and sustainable mining practices. As a member of the board at IB2 and a business development expert, Romain continues to contribute his expertise to various ventures, driving innovation and growth. In this interview, Mr Girbal has brought forth the present and future strategies of the company in combatting all odds and steering forward the development of...
