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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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...
“SeCoil is an investment that brings real benefits to a company involved in producing aluminium sheets”, Piotr Skarbiński, Vice President, Business Segment Aluminum Process and CAB, SECO/WARWICK
Piotr Skarbinski earned an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Zielona Góra, specialising in precision and biomedical instruments. His professional career began in 1988 with Elterma as a project engineer. He joined SECO/WARWICK in 1990 as a project engineer for atmosphere furnaces and was promoted to Atmosphere Furnace Team Leader in 1995. In addition to these responsibilities, he worked with both the Aluminum Process and Incinerator product groups. In 2000, he assumed responsibility as Director of Europe's Controlled Atmosphere Brazing (CAB) Team. He became the CAB Global Product Leader in 2006, and since 2014, he has served as a Vice President of the CAB and Aluminium Process business segment at SECO/WARWICK S.A. AL Circle: How does SECO/WARWICK's vision align with the...
“Using aluminium FRPs in railway systems contributes to a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly operation,” L C Trivedi, Railway Expert
A distinguished railway professional, L C Trivedi, with over 40 years of exemplary service, boasts a remarkable career deeply rooted in Indian Railways. With an engineering degree and management education from prestigious institutions such as HEC Paris and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, USA, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence. A Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in London, L C Trivedi currently holds the esteemed position of Chair of the Railway Division of India within the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). His journey in the railways began in 1981, when he spent two formative years at NTPC, followed by a transition to Indian Railways, where he would go on to achieve remarkable feats. In June 2021, L C Trivedi retired as the...
China’s September aluminium output aligns with SMM forecast, showing a monthly dip but a positive near-term outlook
In September 2024, China's aluminium production increased by 1.45% compared to the previous year, aligning with the expected figures from the Shanghai Metal Market. The operation resumption in Sichuan and Guizhou after technical upgrades boosted the production on a year-on-year basis. However, on a month-on-month calculation, the output is likely to have decreased from 3.689 million tonnes to 3.574 million tonnes, possibly due to estimated slower production in Yunnan. Due to the traditional peak season during September and October, the production and demand for downstream alloy products increased, driving the proportion of liquid aluminium up by 0.7 percentage points M-o-M and 0.6 percentage points Y-o-Y to approximately 73.76 per cent. As a result, the casting ingot production decreased...
Optimising CO2 capture with metatitanic acid - Al2O3 aerogel composite
In a recent article published in Scientific Reports, researchers developed a novel adsorbent composed of nanoporous metatitanic acid supported on γ-Al₂O₃ aerogel. The aim is to enhance CO₂ adsorption capacity and improve regeneration efficiency. The research investigated the optimal conditions for CO₂ capture and the structural characteristics of the synthesised materials, contributing to the advancement of carbon capture technologies. Background Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are emerging as solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Among various methods, adsorption is promising due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Traditional adsorbents, such as zeolites and activated carbons, have adsorption capacity and regeneration limitations. Recent studies have explored...
China’s alumina production in September retreats, standing below 7 million tonnes
In September 2024, China’s monthly production of metallurgical-grade alumina retreated from its peak by losing 4.27 per cent month-on-month. However, on a year-on-year basis, the output in September increased by 2.69 per cent from 6.732 million tonnes. Based on the above data provided by the Shanghai Metals Market, China’s metallurgical-grade alumina production is estimated to have amounted to 6.91 million tonnes in September versus 7.22 million tonnes in August 2024 . From January to September, China’s total output of metallurgical-grade alumina was 61.596 million tonnes, up 3.66 per cent Y-o-Y. SMM further showed China’s existing capacity of metallurgical-grade alumina increased by 1 million tonnes to 101.6 million tonnes, with the actual operating capacity down by 1.3 per cent M-o-M...
