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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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...
India takes the front seat in EV evolution with half a million sales: Honda to join the force soon!
The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is revolutionising the automotive industry, driven by increasing concerns over air pollution and stringent emission regulations imposed by governments worldwide. With the environmental imperative to reduce fossil fuel dependency, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have gained substantial traction among consumers, with USD 4216.91 billion in 2024. This shift has also sparked a corresponding rise in the demand for lightweight materials such as aluminium in automobile manufacturing. One of the key factors accelerating the adoption of EVs is their lower maintenance cost compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The COVID-19 pandemic initially dampened the automotive market, with a sharp decline in...
Hero and TVS make solid strides in strengthening India’s electric vehicle segment for the long run
India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, is intensifying its efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) space to capture a larger market share. The company, which launched its Vida brand in 2023, has been expanding its presence across the country, with a presence in over 116 cities and 203 touchpoints. Downstream product manufacturer, aluminium die-casted automotive parts manufacturer Sundaram Clayton (also known as TVS Holdings), is also in on its game-changing strategy to revolutionise the face of the electric vehicle market in India. Hero to establish independent electric vehicle unit Hero MotoCorp Ltd, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, continues to intensify its efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. With a market share in the mid-single digits, the...
Here’s the other side of the story: where will Canada redirect its 3.3 million tonnes of aluminium exports with US tariffs in effect?
February 4, 2025 – today is the day the United States' 25 per cent additional import tariffs on Canada, Mexico and 10 per cent on China are coming into effect. Already, the tariffs, even before being implemented, have brought several opinions from industry leaders on possible changes in market dynamics for the United States and the rest of the world. Jorge Eduardo Dyszel, a risk management consultant and expert in base metals and the London Metal Exchange, has weighed in on the situation. He suggests the United States importers will either need to pay the 25 per cent tariff or seek alternative sources for commodities like aluminium. He also warns that a reduced supply of aluminium could lead to higher premiums for US buyers, potentially resulting in a contango curve—an upward-sloping...
US vs. China: Washington tightens hold on world’s largest economy title
The United States in 2024 further solidified its position as the world's largest economy, with resilient consumer spending driving its continued lead over China for the third consecutive year—at least by one key measure. According to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on January 30, 2025, US GDP grew by 5.3 per cent in 2024 before adjusting for inflation. In contrast, China's nominal GDP expanded by 4.2 per cent, as reported by the country's National Bureau of Statistics a few days back. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Note: Annual GDP, unadjusted for price changes Nominal Gross Domestic Product (Nominal GDP) represents the total market value of all goods and services produced within a country's economy during a specific period. Unlike other GDP measurements, Nominal GDP...
2024: Impact Minerals’ excellence in exploration decoded
Though it is only the conclusion of quarter two for Impact Minerals in December 2024, the company’s entire calendar year 2024 performance data have poured in with its December quarterly report publication. Throughout the year, Impact Minerals has taken quite a few steps ahead across various exploration and development projects, notably its flagship Lake Hope High Purity Alumina (HPA) Project in Western Australia. The consolidated report focuses on the numbers throughout the year, along with the company’s activities and milestones across the four quarters. Third Quarter FY24 (Ending March 2024) Impact Minerals has focused heavily on advancing its Lake Hope Project as planned earlier since the beginning of the year with other exploration activities. Lake Hope, WA: The project achieved...
What shift in market dynamics can you expect with Donald Trump’s latest tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China?
Donald Trump proposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10 per cent tariffs on China are set to take effect on Tuesday, February 4, following his executive orders on February 1 directing the administration to impose duties on these three trade partners. As per the report, an additional 25 per cent tariff will be applicable to all imports from Canada and Mexico, except energy resources, which will face a 10 per cent duty instead. Image source: Britannica The President's order specifies the tariffs will apply to those products entering the US for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 4, 2025. Goods already in transit to the United States with scheduled arrival at 12:01 a.m. on February 1 are exempt from...
Indian aluminium giant reports historic Q3 performance: EBITDA jumps 30% Y-o-Y
Vedanta Aluminium, a key subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, has announced a historic performance for Q3 FY25, achieving its highest-ever third-quarter EBITDA of INR 11,284 crore (US$1.34 billion), marking a significant 30 per cent year-on-year increase. Image Source: https://www.vedantalimited.com/ Record production amid rising domestic demand Aluminium production for the quarter stood at 613 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 2 per cent Y-o-Y growth. However, production increased marginally from 609 thousand in Q2 FY25 ( up 0.7 per cent Q-o-Q). Alumina production surged by 7 per cent to 505 thousand tonnes, supported by advancements at the Lanjigarh refinery. Notably, Vedanta Aluminium recorded its best-ever quarterly value-added product (VAP) sales at 317 tonnes, a 16 per cent Y-o-Y increase....
Gränges AB in 2024: higher sales, stable profit, and reduced carbon emissions demand attention
Sweden-based Gränges AB, a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, announced its production and financial results for 2024, reporting record-high sales volume and earnings. Gränges operates recycled-content aluminium facilities in Sweden, China, Poland, and the United States. In the US, it operates a scrap-fed melt shop and casting facility, commencing in 2023. Fiscal achievements In the fourth quarter of 2024, Gränges sold 130.3 thousand tonnes of recycled and rolled aluminium products, up by 21 per cent Y-o-Y, and earned SEK 6,184 million (US$558.205 million). For the full year, the sales volume amounted to 505.8 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 9.2 per cent rise Y-o-Y, valued at SEK 23,506 million (US$2,118.27 million). With the increase in sales volume, the company's adjusted...
Aluminium demand in India to zoom 7-9% by 2028 as EV Sales Surge 27%
At the recently concluded Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) international conference held in Jaipur from 28 to 30 January, Mohan Agarwal, managing director and chairman of a prominent secondary smelter CMR Green Recycling, projected robust growth in India’s secondary aluminium demand. Agarwal forecasted a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7-9 per cent between 2023 and 2028, with demand expected to rise from 1.7 million tonnes in 2023 to approximately 2.4-2.5 million tonnes by 2028. The automotive sector is poised to be a key driver of this growth, with demand anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 7-11 per cent. India’s automotive sector, already the third-largest market globally, surpassed Japan and now trails only China and the US, according to government reports from...
China’s 2024 aluminium foil trade overview: top 5 export destinations and values revealed
China wrapped up 2024 with a staggering growth of aluminium foil exports, reaching above 1.5 million tonnes. Although the export volume in December decreased significantly by about 28 per cent month-on-month following the cancellation of export tax rebates and the looming threat of increased tariffs in some countries, China’s annual export volume saw no adverse impact. Image source: Nantong Hengjin Composite Material Co., Ltd. According to the International Trade Administration, China’s aluminium foil exports at the end of 2024 amounted to 1.55 million tonnes, reflecting an impressive rise of 18.32 per cent from 1.31 million tonnes in 2023. The historical data shows China’s aluminium foil exports have grown consistently over the past ten years since 2014 when the export volume was 867,634...
85% probability of 10% tariff on Canadian aluminium and other imports: Analysts
Commodity markets are factoring in heightened chances that US President Donald Trump’s sanctions on Canadian imports will include raw materials such as oil, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which cautioned that petrol prices in the Midwest could rise if the penalties affect crude flows. Differences in regional pricing for commodities such as aluminium and crude copper indicate an 85 per cent probability of a 10 per cent tariff being imposed, analysts including Samantha Dart and Daan Struyven said in a note. Lower probabilities were associated with higher eventual tariffs, they added. Canada is by some margin the largest supplier of primary metal to the United States, accounting for 79 per cent of total imports in the first 11 months of 2024. On the other hand, the re-elected...
Here’s why India needs an LME warehouse to support the AL business
Anuj Bareja, Founder and Managing Director of Asier Metals Private Ltd, stated at the LME Mumbai Forum on January 27, 2025, that establishing London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses in India could help mitigate the carbon footprint associated with transporting aluminium. With sustainability measures concerning aluminium and the future implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) levies, having these warehouses locally would eliminate the need to transport aluminium to LME-registered facilities in Southeast Asia for storage and delivery. “Why does India need to ship out 1.5 million tonnes of aluminium to Southeast Asia? Are we not burning fuel?” Bareja said, emphasising the need for LME warehouses in India where the metal can be stored and drawn out domestically. There...
2024: World alumina production grows 2.6%, supported by Chinese refineries with strong profitability to afford high-priced bauxite
The world alumina production saw a significant hike in 2024, withstanding the bauxite supply shortage compared to the growth in demand. China, the world’s largest alumina producer, saw a continued bauxite supply gap in 2024 yet exceeded expected production. That could be possible due to the significant profitability of alumina refineries, enabling them to accept high-priced bauxite and continue operations. Image source: Made-in-China According to the International Aluminium Insititute, the world’s alumina production totalled 147.047 million tonnes in 2024, reflecting an annual increase of 2.61 per cent from 143.313 million tonnes. Of the total output in 2024, metallurgical-grade alumina accounted for 93.95 per cent by producing 138.151 million tonnes, while chemical-grade accounted for...
