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...
Grow with
AL Circle
Top 5 companies leading aluminium foil production in China
From food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics packaging to industrial applications such as insulation in the electrical and aerospace industries or vehicle components, aluminium foil is one product in many roles, meeting the needs of a broad spectrum of end-user industries. Thus, this thinly rolled aluminium product boasts enormous global demand, showcasing a whopping figure of its usage at 6.1 million tonnes in 2023. The country that primarily drives this usage, with extensive production capabilities, is China, the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of aluminium foil, which alone accounts for about 48 per cent of the global foil usage and 63 per cent of the world’s foil production capacity. This article will explore the names that lead the aluminium foil market in...
Global primary aluminium production in Q3 bypasses September's downtrend, posting a 2.36% quarterly growth
In September 2024, primary aluminium production globally experienced a month-on-month fall, mirroring the trend seen across all the major primary metal-producing countries/regions. However, the monthly fall in September posed no impact on the growing trend through the third quarter of the year, as demonstrated by the data from the International Aluminium Institute. According to the data revealed, the world’s primary aluminium production decreased by 3.19 percent from August but maintained the 6 million tonnes level. Amounting to 6.007 million tonnes compared to 6.205 million tonnes in August, the output in September registered a fall after two consecutive months of rise. Total production worldwide in Q3 2024 stood at 18.416 million tonnes, marking a continued Q-o-Q rise of 2.36 per cent...
Is the EU treading a perilous path with its aluminium bans on Russia, potentially triggering a chain of economic and geopolitical repercussions?
Amidst the chances of importing from intensively limited sources, the European Union (EU) is reconsidering banning Russia as its aluminium supplier. The immediate result? Small and medium-sized business entities, which rely on close to 70 per cent of turnover and 92 per cent of employment in the European aluminium sector, dissolve within a short period; simultaneously, prices spike roof-high due to the demand-supply gap. The European Union imports over 90 per cent of its aluminium, of which 8-9 per cent comes from Russia. Speculations about a probable ban on low-carbon aluminium from Russia to the European market have, in the meantime, pushed prices up by 15 per cent so far this year, and prices are forecasted to rise in a steep graph if the ban is imposed. Why the sanction? Based on the...
Staying competitive in a digitally transformed world: Strategies for aluminium producers
In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, material developers and producers are feeling the pressure to optimise their operations and embrace the new era of global connectivity. What was once a competitive edge, like proximity to a customer, is no longer sufficient to outpace the competition. Take the case of a midwestern forging producer who once had a natural advantage working with automotive OEMs. Now, a shop in one corner of the world could easily provide the same services, thanks to digital transformation and advanced automation. So how can aluminium producers remain competitive in this new world? More importantly, how can they maximise the investments already made in their facilities? The answer lies in embracing the ongoing revolution in manufacturing, often referred to as...
Supply disruptions in Guinea weigh on China’s September bauxite imports, declining by 25.7% M-o-M
China’s bauxite imports in September 2024 fell 25.68 per cent month-on-month owing to supply disruptions from Guinea, first due to unfavourable weather conditions but now due to exports being blocked by Guinea’s customs authorities. According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China’s bauxite import volume in September amounted to 11.5536 million tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month decline of 25.68 per cent from 15.546 million tonnes but edged a Y-o-Y growth of 15.82 per cent. The monthly decline is due to decreased import volume from Guinea, Malaysia, and Brazil. Although the imports from other countries like Australia, Turkey, Laos, and Ivory Coast increased, they were insufficient to offset the monthly drop. As the above chart indicates, China’s bauxite imports from Guinea...
US aluminium scrap exports extend M-o-M fall by 2.3% in July due to the Red Sea crisis disrupting supply to India
According to the US Geological Survey, the United States aluminium scrap exports continued to decline, marking the second consecutive month of fall in July 2024. The export volume decreased 2.32 per cent month-on-month to 168,000 tonnes versus 172,000 tonnes in June 2024. Also, on a year-on-year basis, the United States aluminium scrap exports reflected a downfall of 2.89 per cent from 173,000 tonnes. As the above graph indicates, the back-to-back decline in the United States aluminium scrap exports in September 2024 was primarily contributed by India and Malaysia, the two largest importers of aluminium scrap from the United States. Even though the two countries remained the top importers of scrap from the United States in September, their volume decreased month-on-month. Delving deeper...
Mozambique's Mozal Aluminium claims "Green," but can it withstand the EU carbon tax?
Mozambique's largest industrial player, Mozal, is promoting its aluminium as 'green,' a claim that could help it avoid the looming European Union (EU) carbon border tax. However, doubts have emerged about the legitimacy of these claims, raising concerns about the future of one of the world's weakest economies if the smelter cannot meet EU standards. The potential impact of the EU carbon tax on Mozal's operations is a cause for concern. The EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism, set to take effect in 2026, will impose taxes on carbon-intensive imports such as aluminium, steel, and cement. The tax prevents heavy industries from relocating to countries with weaker carbon regulations to escape the EU's stringent environmental standards. Mozal, a major aluminium smelter located outside...
“Aluminium flat-rolled products will increase in volume. Globally,” Vincenzo ZINNI, CEO, Niche Fusina Rolled Products S.r.L.
Vincenzo ZINNI, Chief Executive Officer, joined Fusina in 2022 with the acquisition of the plant by Dada Holding and Invitalia. With a background in metal trading, he is managing the group and driving the team to excellence, quality, and reliability. Under his management and focus, the plant is on track to regain its position in the marketplace. This is the result of a series of new investments and production improvements. Fusina, under its new leadership and ownership, has been able to be considered as one of the best suppliers for marine, road transportation, silos, or defence applications. AL Circle: What is Niche Fusina Rolled Products S.r.l.’s contribution to the global production of aluminium flat-rolled products? Could you provide insights into your yearly production capacity and...
South32's aluminium production and asset sale highlight a strong start to FY25
South32 has reported increased production across its operations in the first quarter of the 2024–25 financial year (Q1 FY25), maintaining its production guidance for the period. South32 Limited is a mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia and follows the Australian financial year, which starts on July 1, with the last day occurring the following year on June 30. In addition to these operational gains, the company successfully completed the sale of its Illawarra Metallurgical Coal business. The asset was sold to a joint venture between Golden Energy and Resources and M Resources for $US964 million (approximately A$1.4 billion), marking a significant milestone for the mining giant. This quarter’s performance highlights South32’s focus on operational efficiency...
“The future of the global aluminium FRP is promising with many opportunities, and the building and construction sector is also experiencing an upward growth rate,” Mohamed Rafea, CEO, GARMCO
Mohamed Rafea joined GARMCO in April 2020 and has over 27 years of experience in the aluminium industry. Prior to joining GARMCO, Mohamed served as Chief Executive Officer at Riyadh Cable Group of Companies, Riyadh—Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also worked with Midal Cables Group, headquartered in Bahrain, as Chief Executive Officer, in addition to various roles within the Production and maintenance, Purchasing, Quality, and Product Development areas. Mohamed Rafea holds an M.Sc in Engineering Business Management (MSC) from Coventry University, UK, and a B.Sc in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, Kingsville, USA. AL Circle: Can you briefly overview GARMCO's history and evolution since its establishment in 1981? What are some of the key milestones that GARMCO has achieved over...
"Aluminium is considered a strategic material for the transition to a low-carbon economy and for securing a strong and sustainable base industry." Janaina Donas Executive president of ABAL (Brazilian Aluminum Association).
Janaina has great experience in the Corporate Affairs market with a demonstrated history of working in the mining, metals, and infrastructure industries. Skilled in Public Affairs, Crisis Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Governmental Affairs, and Crisis Communications. Strong Community and social services with an MBA focused in Business Management from Ibmec Business School. AL Circle: How has the demand for flat-rolled products evolved within the Brazilian aluminium market over the past few years? Janaina Donas: According to data from ABAL's Aluminium Statistical Yearbook (Brazilian Aluminium Association), the production of aluminium sheets has increased by 20,6% over the last 10 years, from 585 tonnes in 2014, reaching 706 tonnes last year. From a consumption perspective,...
"As producers call for defect-free aluminium flat-rolled products to meet rapidly growing global demand, ABB's innovative solutions for measuring flatness, thickness and tension hold the key to enhanced accuracy, reliability, and longevity. Our commitment to continuous development and refinement, including realizing the possibilities of digitalization, enhances real-time decision-making, reduces waste and energy consumption, and addresses the industry's skills gap,” Marko Sydänlammi, Global Product Line Manager Flatness Systems, ABB
Currently, Marko Sydänlammi serves as the Global Product Line Manager for Flatness systems at ABB Measurement & Analytics. In this pivotal role, he is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring end-to-end profitable growth and development of the flatness systems offering over the entire life cycle. This includes portfolio management, footprint analysis, and the development of a business mix strategy for the products. He has worked in product management, operations, engineering, and sales of measurement and control equipment for the battery, metals, paper, and converting industries for over 33 years. Marko holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanics and Computer Science from Linköping University, Sweden. AL Circle: The aluminium flat-rolled products industry requires precise quality...
“We have identified sustainable packaging as a potential growth market,” Adam Hunter, Deputy General Manager, Bridgnorth Aluminium
Adam Hunter joined Bridgnorth Aluminium in April 2024 as Deputy General Manager, bringing extensive expertise in cold rolled steel manufacturing across construction, automotive, industrial, and agricultural sectors. His career began as a Designer in the Aerospace industry, working with prestigious clients like Rolls-Royce and Airbus. He later specialised in designing high-precision, fast-volume production lines and gained global experience in operational excellence. With a focus on root-cause analysis and technical process development, Adam is known for his hands-on approach and ability to lead teams through complex challenges to achieve operational excellence. AL Circle: Bridgnorth Aluminium has been a leader in flat-rolled aluminium coils for over 80 years. How has the company evolved...
“By mimicking real process conditions on our pilot mill, Quaker Houghton de-risks fluid upgrades for rolling mills,” Peter De Bruyne, Global Business Director Non-Ferrous, Quaker Houghton
Peter De Bruyne, Global Business Director Non-Ferrous, is responsible for strategy development for the non-ferrous industry at Quaker Houghton. Peter was awarded a PhD in analytical chemistry before joining the aluminium industry in 1993. He gained hands-on experience as a laboratory manager and lubrication engineer in the aluminium rolling industry. In his 18 years at Quaker Houghton, Peter has worked in both technical and commercial roles before taking up his current position in 2016. AL Circle: Could you provide a brief overview of the function of rolling fluids in flat rolled aluminium production? Peter De Bruyne: During the rolling process, rolling fluids serve to lubricate, cool, and remove aluminium fines from the strip surface. For cold rolling, this is usually achieved with...
China’s economic stimulus reflects success in automobile production and sales, boosting aluminium consumption
Commercial revival in the Chinese market during September 2024, driven by the economic stimulus package, is mirrored in the robust growth in car sales, including battery-electric vehicles and plug-in electric cars. Enhanced vehicle trade-in policies have also had beneficial effects on domestic car sales and production, as highlighted by the Shanghai Metals Market survey. The increase in vehicle production, particularly electric cars, indicates a potential rise in aluminium consumption as a key element used in the production of automobile components. Production and sales figures According to the data revealed by SMM based on the China Passenger Car Association survey, China's new passenger vehicle (NEPV) production demonstrated a surge of 51.5 per cent year-on-year and an increase of 16.2...
Innovative technologies & sustainable solutions key to meet growing aluminium demand, says DTE analyst
As the global economy rebounds from the COVID-19 recession, the demand for aluminium is set to surge, with the International Aluminium Institute projecting a 40 per cent rise by 2030, requiring an additional 33 million tonnes of annual production. Karl Ágúst Matthíasson, co-founder and CEO of Icelandic aluminium analysis firm DTE, has shared his outlook for the aluminium industry in the coming year. As an engineer and entrepreneur focused on revolutionising aluminium production, Karl anticipates increasing demand amid mounting energy and cost challenges. To meet these growing needs, he also foresees the integration of new technologies and increased usage of low-carbon aluminium products into the production process. European aluminium producers to scale back production As per his...
“The cosmetics industry increasingly embraces aluminium packaging, particularly for its sustainability benefits,” Dr. Ing. Catalina Fernandez, Director of CINDAL (Aludium R&D Centre).
Dr. Ing. Catalina Fernandez is the Director of CINDAL (Aludium R&D Centre). She is at the forefront of innovation in aluminium-rolled products (FRPs) and plays a pivotal role in driving sustainability initiatives at Aludium. Her background in metallurgy and materials science, along with her passion for environmental stewardship, has allowed her to combine technical expertise with a vision for a greener future for the aluminium industry. In this interview, she shares her insights into the modern world of aluminium FRPs, focusing on the importance of recyclability and third-party verification to prevent greenwashing while exploring the role of aluminium in markets such as packaging, automotive, and construction. AL Circle: Could you begin by giving us an overview of your experience and how...
Exploring aluminium’s infinite applications: Top 10 scientific innovations highlighting its versatility
Where there is aluminium, there is innovation. Aluminium, once regarded as a mere industrial metal, is now the canvas for some of the most exciting innovations shaping the future. Imaging cars that are lighter than ever, gliding effortlessly with the help of aluminium alloys engineered for strength and agility. More recently, aluminium foil coating has sparked a new hope for microbe-free water purification in African countries. Not just this, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers have also come up with an interesting discovery to produce 'hydrogen gas' using the green metal. Aluminium is central to innovation across industries, playing a vital role in driving technological advancements and sustainability. Its lightweight yet strong properties make it essential for reducing...
