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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Role reversal: Thailand replaced Malaysia as the second-largest aluminium scrap importer in September 2024
The latest data from the US Geological Survey reflects a shift in the market dynamics for aluminium scrap in Thailand and Malaysia. Thailand, which usually happens to be the third-largest aluminium scrap importer from the United States, ranked second in September, beating Malaysia’s import volume. According to the USGS data, Thailand accounted for 18 per cent of the United States aluminium scrap exports, while Malaysia contributed 17 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, the United States aluminium scrap exports to Thailand grew by 20.45 per cent, but exports to Malaysia decreased by 4.5 per cent. Thailand imported 31,800 tonnes of aluminium scrap from the United States in September, compared to 26,400 tonnes in August. On a year-on-year basis, the import in September 2024 increased by 37...
Metro Mining missed its 2024 bauxite shipment target by a narrow strip. What lies ahead in 2025?
Metro Mining has achieved a new annual high with 5.7 million tonnes of wet bauxite shipment. The consistent growth month-on-month since August 2024 has led to a yearly shipment increase of 24 per cent. But despite the growth, the Australian mining company has failed to achieve its annual target of 6 million tonnes. The company’s growth pattern In August 2024, Metro Mining's bauxite shipment was 720,000 tonnes , recording a month-on-month growth of 13 per cent. In the subsequent month, the shipment volume reached 780,000 tonnes, bringing the total shipment in Q3 to 2.13 million tonnes. The Australian mining company shipped more bauxite in October, achieving 69.5 per cent of the annual target with 793,420 tonnes. On a month-on-month basis, the shipment volume in October rose 1.72 per cent,...
The true story behind aluminium being more than just a lightweight wonder in the aerospace sector
There is an increasingly urgent need for lightweight components in the aerospace industry, with aluminium (Al) alloys being the preferred material for aircraft structural parts since their use in the Junkers F.13 aircraft in the 1920s. Compared to other metals, Al alloys have a lower density, which helps reduce the total weight of the aircraft, improving fuel efficiency and load capacity. An article on ScienceDirect, backed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, and the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, details the use of non-ferrous metals in the aviation industry. The strength and hardness of Al alloys can be significantly enhanced through alloying and heat treatment, making them suitable for...
Circularity in action: Recycling sector dominates aluminium dross output
Aluminium dross is a by-product formed during the melting and processing of aluminium. When aluminium is in its molten state, it undergoes oxidation on the surface, forming a ‘skin-like’ layer known as dross. In the past, aluminium dross was disposed of in landfills, a practice deemed hazardous to the environment. In addition, valuable aluminium content and other elements were lost in landfills. In recent years, with the aluminium industry’s growing focus on sustainability and environmental issues, there has been significant improvement in dross processing technologies, enabling higher metal recovery from dross than conventional methods. Discover in-depth insights into aluminium dross processing technologies, key players in the industry, their groundbreaking projects, and regional trade...
Aluminium industry at a crossroads: Baby steps won't work anymore to achieve sustainability amidst emission challenges
Aluminium production, one of the most energy-intensive metal industries, poses a nerve-wracking challenge for global mitigation efforts. A recent study published by Nature sheds light on the evolving dynamics of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the aluminium sector and highlights the urgent need for innovative technologies and policy interventions to achieve net-zero goals. Despite advancements in technology, such as the adoption of more efficient and higher amperage cells, the proportion of aluminium production powered by fossil fuel-based captive power units rose from 37 per cent in 2012 to 49 per cent in 2021. The study reveals that retiring these power plants ten years ahead of schedule could reduce emissions intensity by 5.0–10.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) per tonne of...
USVI’s conservation effort gets a sustainable boost with Tropical Water’s aluminium packaging
With consumer preferences increasingly prioritising sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is gaining prominence as the material of choice due to its recyclability, lightweight nature, and ability to maintain product quality. Image Source- Tropical Water As per the latest update, Florida-based MSPFLA, Inc., has formed an exclusive distribution partnership with Caribbean Food Services in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, to wholesale its eco-friendly Tropical Water brand across the USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands). Overall, the aluminium packaging industry saw consistent growth in 2023. Packed in reusable aluminium cans, this partnership supports USVI's conservation efforts by providing the local community, island visitors, retail outlets, and resorts with a sustainable alternative...
2024 to 2025: Learn how the previous AL year influences the upcoming one
Recently, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) proffered a critical piece where the aluminium industry sat across the table, witnessing its own SWOT analysis. 2024 has been an eventful year, and the industry insights indicate a similar trend for 2025. The entire aluminium value chain, from the raw material, i.e. bauxite, to the end-user products like aluminium-made mobile cases, laptop chassis and vehicle bodies, has gone through vigorous and eventful turmoil to shape the industry as it is today and as it hints to be tomorrow. 2024's performance in a glimpse According to International Aluminium Insititute's data, from January 2024 to November 2024 — 125.66 million tonnes of metallurgical alumina and 8.113 million metric tonnes of chemical alumina were produced worldwide. Primary aluminium...
Global shift toward aluminium cans strengthens the packaging sector
As consumer preferences shift towards sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is emerging as a material of choice for its recyclability, lightweight properties, and ability to preserve product quality. The aluminium packaging industry experienced steady growth in 2023, driven by an increasing demand for beverage cans and packaging foils. With over 11.5 million tonnes of aluminium flat-rolled products used in the packaging sector throughout the year, the industry’s expansion has been fuelled by a shift away from traditional materials like plastic and glass. The demand for aluminium in the packaging sector is primarily fuelled by beverage cans. While developed economies continue to drive this demand, developing countries are experiencing a faster-growing preference for...
Shareholders alert: Aluminium share updates, both domestic and international, might need your attention!
Aluminium trading prices have remained stable at INR 241.4 (US$2.82) in India as on December 30, 2024 and while the prices have not changed, key data indicates an underlying tension in the market due to supply and demand dynamics. According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium production increased by 3 percent year-on-year, reaching 6.04 million tonnes in November. However, the downside pressure on prices was mitigated as traders withdrew over 82 thousand tonnes from London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses, marking the highest withdrawal since mid-October, primarily from stockpiles in South Korea. The global refined aluminium market experienced a short supply of 40.3 thousand tonnes in October, indicating a continued imbalance between production and...
World alumina production grows 1.9% Y-o-Y during Jan-Nov 2024, partially affected by output curtail at Alcoa’s Kwinana refinery
Through the first eleven months of 2024, the world’s metallurgical-grade alumina production stood at 125.66 million tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.91 per cent from 123.304 million tonnes, according to the latest data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). Separately, the chemical-grade output amounted to 8.113 million tonnes, up 3.97 per cent from 7.803 million tonnes. In November 2024, the world’s monthly production of metallurgical-grade alumina was 11.508 million tonnes, down by 3.22 per cent from 11.891 million tonnes in October, in tandem with the dip in daily average output. In November, the production each day was 100 tonnes less, standing at 383,500 tonnes versus 383,600 tonnes in October. However, on an annual basis, the world’s alumina...
Market Commentary: Middle East aluminium industry's past, present and tentative future analysed amid global market shifts in 2024
The Middle Eastern aluminium market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a valuation of USD 16.68 billion by 2030, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 per cent from 2024. This burgeoning market, according to an elaborate report by NextMSC , is currently valued at USD 11.33 billion and is being fuelled by a confluence of factors, including a growing emphasis on sustainability and the region's position as a major global producer. Global production landscape While China continues to dominate global aluminium production, accounting for an estimated 39,653 thousand tonnes in 2024 (January-November), representing nearly 60 per cent of the total output, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which consorts a massive middle-eastern aluminium trading...
Know what to expect from Vedanta’s revised demerger plan, scheduled in January 2025
Vedanta Limited has brought a different plan for its demerger scheme, which is to retain the base metal business under the parent company's umbrella. So, instead of six separate companies, billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta will demerge into five distinctive entities – Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil and Gas, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, and Vedanta Power, with the process to be completed by January 2025, distributing shares in 1:1 ratio. This revised demerger plan is in response to lenders' feedback and efforts to restart the Tuticorin copper smelter. Vedanta thinks this strategic move will ease the process of lenders' approval, given the recommencement of the smelter will streamline operational and financial complexities. However, as the new demerger plan...
The metal that won’t quit – aluminium’s circular journey towards a greener tomorrow
A circular economy is an essential part of building a sustainable future as it addresses critical global challenges like resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation. Aluminium plays a pivotal role in this context due to its exceptional recyclability. According to the International Aluminium Institute, aluminium is one of the most recycled materials on Earth. Nearly 75 per cent of the 1.5 billion tonnes of aluminium ever produced remains in use today. Each year, over 30 million tonnes of aluminium scrap is recycled globally, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of sustainable materials. Growing focus on 'green aluminium' Aluminium businesses are increasingly prioritising 'green aluminium,' aiming to minimise environmental impact while meeting industrial demands....
US aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports downtrend by 2.77% in Q3 2024, attributed to Canada
The United States' aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports decreased through the third quarter of 2024, totalling 189,800 tonnes. The export volume fell sharply by 2.77 per cent from 195,200 tonnes compared to the previous quarter. In September 2024, the United States exported 59,400 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars, which reflected a M-o-M decline of 7.76 per cent from 64,400 tonnes. The export volume in August decreased by 2.42 per cent from 66,000 tonnes in July. There has been a continuous declining trend in the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports since May 2024, barring an intermittent hike of 11.68 per cent in July to 66,000 tonnes. From January to September, the United States' aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports totalled 583,000 tonnes, down...
RUSAL’s 2024 had its own ups and downs, but it was a year of innovation, resilience and sustainability
RUSAL has cemented its position as the successor to the Russian and Soviet aluminium industry, consolidating leading facilities, innovative research, and cutting-edge technologies. Operating across four strategic business units—aluminium, alumina, energy, and mining and metals—the company's core segments, as highlighted in the H1 2024 report, remain aluminium and alumina. As 2024 comes to a close, we examine the industrial giant’s performance, milestones, and challenges. A legacy of leadership The roots of Russia’s aluminium industry trace back to 1885 when A. Novoveisky established the country’s first aluminium smelter in Sergiev Posad. Significant breakthroughs followed, including the Bayer method of alumina production in 1889 and the launch of the Soviet Union’s first aluminium smelter...
US alumina imports downtick Y-o-Y from January to September 2024 despite hikes in Q2 and Q3
According to the United States Geological Survey, the United States alumina imports through the first three quarters of 2024 reflected a year-on-year downfall of 1.1 per cent, despite sequential growth in the second and third quarter of the year. Image Source: iStock A sharp fall in Q1 by 20.33 per cent Q-o-Q and 11.46 per cent year-on-year to 286,000 tonnes has contributed to the downfall in the United States year-to-date alumina imports. Even the subsequent increase in the second and third quarter by 13.64 per cent and 16.31 per cent, respectively, failed to offset the year-to-day downtick. In the second quarter of 2023, the United States alumina imports were 325,000 tonnes, which climbed up in Q3 to 378,000 tonnes, also up by 5.29 per cent Y-o-Y from 359,000 tonnes. From January to...
World primary aluminium production poised to outstrip 2023 record, reaching 66.522 million tonnes by November 2024
Based on the latest data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute, the world's primary aluminium production is set to surpass the previous year's output, marking a new year's high. In December 2024, the world's primary aluminium output needs to achieve only above 4.194 tonnes to exceed the 2023 total of 70.716 million tonnes. From January to November 2024, the world's primary aluminium production reached 66.522 million tonnes. Image Source: Flickr In November 2024, the world's primary metal output decreased by 3.07 per cent M-o-M, reaching 6.04 million tonnes. However, according to a year-on-year calculation, the production saw an increase of the same percentage, 5.863 million tonnes. However, calculating the daily output of November vs October, the monthly decline was only due...
A double-digit decline in India's aluminium scrap imports affects the United States Q3 export volume
The third quarter data from the United States Geological Survey shows a sequential fall in the country’s aluminium scrap exports, in line with a decreased volume of scrap recovery during the same period of 2024. A 2 per cent decline in the United States aluminium scrap recovery during Q3 resulted in a 5.7 per cent fall in the export volume. In the third quarter of 2024, the United States aluminium scrap exports stood at 513,000 tonnes, down by 5.7 per cent from 544,000 tonnes in Q2, despite an M-o-M increase in September exports by 5.4 per cent to 177,000 tonnes. In August, the export remained restrained M-o-M at 168,000 tonnes. In comparison to the first quarter of 2024, exports in the September quarter increased by 3.6 per cent from 495,000 tonnes. However, when compared to the third...
