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...
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America Recycles Day – celebrating decades-long recycling journey, with aluminium in the spotlight
November 15 of each year is observed as America Recycles Day – a day dedicated to spreading the message of how recycling can help all of us contribute towards the environment in the littlest way possible by reducing waste, saving energy, and conserving precious resources. And now that individuals as well as industries are increasingly prioritising sustainability, recycling plays a crucial role. Essentially, the aluminium industry in America has notably made a conscious shift to recycling and using recycled, low-carbon aluminium. According to the Aluminum Association, 75 per cent of aluminium is recycled in the United States of America. Some industries like automotive and building recycle more than 90 per cent. Today, more than 80 per cent of US production is in making recycled/secondary...
Slow progress despite aluminium industry's net zero commitments: ING observes
Major aluminium producers have set ambitious net-zero decarbonisation targets for 2050 and beyond. However, despite a modest reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the past five years, significant progress remains limited, as noted by ING Think. Image credit: Metal Supplies On September 30, 2024, the World Economic Forum’s publication stated that the global aluminium industry, responsible for approximately 2 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and generating 1.1 billion tonnes of CO 2 e annually, faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. Scientific evidence, extreme weather events, and evolving consumer expectations underscore the urgent need for change. With aluminium demand projected to surge by 40 per cent by 2030, emissions could rise even further, intensifying...
China's bauxite import in September hit hard with serial disruptions. Will 2025 be any different?
China's dependence on imported bauxite is a significant factor in the nation's superior ranking in alumina and primary aluminium production. The sheer volume of raw material required to maintain this ranking cannot be met by domestic sources alone. Therefore, any disruption in bauxite supply has a profound impact on the entire aluminium production supply chain, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Guinea's role in the decline: According to S&P Global, China's reliance on imported bauxite is as high as 57 per cent. Guinea, as the primary supplier of bauxite to the nation, plays a crucial role in China's import figures. The disruption in Guinea's bauxite export scenario has therefore had a significant impact on China's bauxite supply, highlighting the importance of Guinea's bauxite...
China’s aluminium production ramps up in October, backed by increasing operating capacity
China’s aluminium production in October 2024 (31 calendar days) saw a year-on-year increase of 1.69 per cent and a month-on-month rise of 3.58 per cent, attributed to capacities back to operations in early October after technical renovations. However, some smelters unexpectedly delaying capacity resumption did offset the country’s monthly output, found the Shanghai Metals Market. Image Source: CRU The aluminium output hike in October could also be attributed to steady demand growth for downstream alloy products during the traditional peak season from September to October. In addition, China’s domestic primary aluminium price rally during October, reaching as high as RMB 21,080 per tonne, played a favourable role in metal production, providing the smelters an opportunity to make profits....
This Children’s Day secure your li'l ones' present and future with aluminium toys over plastic variants
Toys are integral to kids' babyhood laughter, fun and, at times, their cognitive development. Kids' toys have a wide range and variety from miniature cars and bikes to kitchen utensils, from robots to electronic gadgets, and from medical instruments to building blocks. They ignite imagination, promote creativity, and provide hours of entertainment. However, when buying a toy for your champ ahead of the upcoming International Children's Day, remember that not all playthings are built equal, and in the long run, some might do more harm than good. In particular, plastic toys, which have conquered the market due to their low cost and accessibility, have been prone to their potential adverse impact on children's health, our planet, and their overall development. Conversely, aluminium is a...
Aluminium beverage cans industry becoming lifeline to Brazil's economy; increased GDP leads to double-digit sales growth
The aluminium beverage can sales in Brazil have recorded an impressive 12 per cent year-on-year growth for H1 2024, revealed the Brazilian Association of Aluminium Can Manufacturers (Abralatas). The association, representing the country's aluminium can sector, previously noted that macroeconomic development significantly drove the increase in Brazilian beverage can sales this year. Following the revelation of this momentous growth, Abralatas expects the year to close with a high-digit sales figure for aluminium beverage cans. Earlier, the association estimated a growth rate of 5 per cent at the year-end, compared to an annual increase of 1.65 per cent last year. However, it is essential to see if the projection remains the same after this double-digit growth in H1. Production, consumption...
5 worthwhile practices that can ensure green aluminium production in the near future
From smartphones to smart shoes, every gadget that we use daily is enhanced with aluminium. The demand for this versatile metal is skyrocketing, but so is its toll on the environment. The time for action is now. Image Source: Hydro The aluminium production industry is unified on decarbonisation. And the industry giants have taken baby steps towards the goal. According to the 2023 Aluminum Paradox report by the Environmental Integrity Project, global aluminium production resulted in 1.2 billion tonnes of global greenhouse gases in 2021. Now, the initiatives are to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to keep the subsequent global warming under 2 °C (vs pre-industrial levels, i.e. the Beyond 2 Degrees Scenario, or B2DS). Whereas it should ideally be below 1.5 °C....
Oct'24: China’s alumina output reaches 7 million tonnes again, but can this growth sustain amid tight bauxite supply?
After a decline last month, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production grew in October 2024, marking a M-o-M increase of 2.93 per cent, according to the Shanghai Metals Market survey. The output also escalated by 6.51 per cent year-on-year, backed by capacity expansion and higher operating rate. Exceeding the initial forecast of 1.73 per cent M-o-M growth, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in October is estimated to have amounted to 7.112 million tonnes versus 6.91 million tonnes in September . Notably, the country's monthly output volume yet again surpassed the 7 million tonnes benchmark but fell short of 1.5 per cent to touch the August production. From January to October 2024, China's total production of metallurgical-grade alumina was recorded at 68.708 million...
The rise of aluminium bottles: A response to eco-conscious consumer trends
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 overall packaging sector throughout the year, the industry’s expansion has been fuelled by a shift away from traditional materials like plastic and glass. A growing preference for sustainable packaging solutions , rising disposable incomes, and increased urbanisation are significant drivers of this growth. Additionally, advancements in technology are playing a...
Australia’s first end-to-end blister pack recycling programme rolled out
Pharmacy retailer Chemist Warehouse and Pharmacycle, in partnership with Kenvue, the maker of CODRAL, have launched Australia’s largest nationwide blister pack recycling program. Following a successful trial in late 2023 at 100 Chemist Warehouse locations across Victoria, the initiative has now expanded to all Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist pharmacies nationwide. Image Source: Pharmacycle The pharmaceutical sector is experiencing growing demand for aluminium-based packaging, especially blister packs and Alu-Alu, driven by increasing healthcare needs, ageing populations, and a rise in chronic diseases. As a result, the global pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to see substantial growth, with aluminium packaging—particularly blister and Alu-Alu—becoming a vital segment of this...
Bauxite shipment disruption at Juruti Port intensifies pressure on global alumina production
Alcoa declared force majeure on bauxite shipments from its Juruti mine in Brazil on November 7, 2024, due to a vessel stranded in the channel near the port obstructing transportation. This disruption poses significant challenges for global alumina supplies, which are already under pressure due to constrained production. However, the statement did not provide an estimate for when shipments might resume. According to a trader source, the vessel has been stranded near the Juruti port since late October, and bauxite shipments have been halted for nearly or more than 10 days. According to industry experts, the Alumar alumina refinery is currently grappling with significant challenges due to shortages of bauxite supply from the Juruti mine in Brazil. The bauxite source is vital to Alumar’s...
Adani plans a strategic $5 billion investment in India's aluminium industry, among others, in the next 5 years
Gautam Adani led Adani Group has declared an investment of over US$5 billion in setting up aluminium and steel businesses along with ramping up copper production in India. This is the second time that the group has invested such megabucks in the metal industry, wherein, for the first time in 2022, the enterprise declared an investment of US$5.2 billion in developing an alumina refinery in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Image Source: https://www.adani.com/ On one hand, the recently announced investment plan will likely boost the group's infra business. It may also save on energy production costs by offering more affordable energy solutions than rivals. The Adani Group has come up with the funding for the nation's metals business 2 years after its grand entry and consequent success in...
Perseverance discovers high-aluminium rocks on Mars, delivering clues to planetary chronology
NASA's Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, identifying unusual 'float rocks' in the Jezero Crater with exceptionally high levels of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) content. This distinctive discovery, centred around aluminium-rich rock fragments, is key to possibly providing fresh insights into the history of water on Mars and the geological processes that shaped the planet's surface. This discovery brings new questions and potential clues about the ancient Martian environment and whether it could have supported life. Discovery of aluminium-rich float rocks Perseverance's exploration of Jezero Crater—a 45-kilometre-wide impact basin believed to have once held a lake—has revealed thousands of scattered light-coloured rocks that stand out against the dark volcanic...
Heat pumps: The missing piece in aluminium industry's decarbonisation puzzle
Each tonne of alumina production emits such heat, which, if reused further, can increase the energy demand, which in the long run also boosts carbon footprint reduction globally. Image Source: Hilt CRC How can we do that? The answer is ‘industrial heat pump’. These use electricity to transfer heat from one location to another, supplying heating and cooling for a building. Heat pumps are better energy efficient than conventional heating mechanisms with gas or oil boilers, emitting less carbon cumulatively. According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA's) World Energy Outlook special report titled The Future of Heat Pumps, decarbonisation of industrial heat through electrification is crucial in tackling the climate conundrum, and there is substantial potential for electric heat pumps...
Donald Trump 2.0: What is in store for the global aluminium industry?
Donald Trump returning to the White House as the 47th President of the United States after winning the 2024 election against Kamala Harris is already raising speculations about global trade policies and economic measures for the ensuing time. This especially comes after his protectionist regime as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, which saw heavy import duties as part of the "America First" economic policy. Image Source: Facebook (Handle - Donald J. Trump The Trump presidency during 2017-2021 imposed waves of tariffs on products like solar panels, washing machines, and consumer goods. Even steel and aluminium were not spared from the heavy import duties. Countries like China, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union, the big players in the world aluminium market,...
Decline in the US aluminium crude metal and alloy imports is attributed to UAE and Australia
The year-on-year decline in the United States imports of aluminium crude metal and alloys for consumption, alongside the increase in domestic scrap generation and restrained export volume, indicates the country's intentional shift in focus from primary to secondary aluminium applications. From January to July 2024, the United States imported 2.14 million tonnes of aluminium crude metal and alloys, down by 7.76 per cent Y-o-Y from 2.32 million tonnes. Each month through July 2024 witnessed Y-o-Y fall. In July, the United States aluminium crude metal and alloy imports amounted to 293,000 tonnes, significantly down by 11.48 per cent Y-o-Y from 331,000 tonnes and 13.82 per cent less than 340,000 tonnes a month ago. Among the sources, Canada was the highest supplier of aluminium crude metal...
Q3 2024: North America's primary aluminium production decline causes drop in the Americas' global output share
The Americas primary aluminium production in the third quarter of 2024 maintained a steady trend, reaching 1.375 million tonnes compared to 1.372 million tonnes in Q2 2024, despite monthly output drop in August and September, particularly in North America. Image Source: Rio Tinto's Kitimat Smelter Over the past two months, North America's primary aluminium production decreased M-o-M, deriving 333,000 tonnes in August and 324,000 tonnes in September. The decline in August output was relatively marginal compared to 334,000 tonnes in July, but the decrease in September intensified, marking a 2.7 per cent fall. The declining rate in North America's primary aluminium production during Q3 was akin to a 2 per cent drop in Rio Tinto's aluminium output , primarily contributed by Kitimat smelter,...
Recycled aluminium sought from vehicles has more value than many realise. Let's understand the whys and hows
An internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle generally has engine blocks, transmission housings, wheels, suspension systems, body panels, interior trim, headlights, and taillights made to some extent of aluminium. Meanwhile, in electric vehicles (EVs), the battery pack, the majority of the chassis, battery enclosures, and charging stations have aluminium as the primary building material. Image Source: Hydro Despite being lighter, the metal holds high durability and can resist extreme forces thus making aluminium a superior preference for structural pieces of EVs. Adverse environmental conditions such as contact with salt water and road salt are likely to cause corrosion in such automobiles, making it necessary to apply resistant materials. Aluminium is known for its corrosion-defying...
