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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China's bauxite imports in August surpass previous record despite drop in Australian arrivals
China's bauxite imports have set a new monthly high for August 2024, exceeding the previous month's record by marking M-o-M increase of 3.64 per cent and year-on-year surge of 34.23 per cent. China incessantly ramped up its bauxite import by volume, taking advantage of lower imported prices compared to domestic rates. In August, while the domestic average price was US$89.24 per tonne, the imported price was US$75.77 per tonne, marking a difference of US$13.47 per tonne. According to the General Administration of Customs, China imported 15.546 million tonnes of bauxite in August 2024 versus 15.0007 million tonnes in July. From January to August, China's total bauxite imports amounted to 107.8974 million tonnes, up by 11.8 per cent Y-o-Y. Leading import sources Guinea, Australia, Turkey,...
South America’s alumina production dips below 1 MT in July 2024 as an impact of bearish output at Alunorte refinery in Q2
According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), alumina production in the Americas totalled 1.179 million tonnes in July 2024, with 83.88 per cent contribution from South America and 16.12 per cent from North America. Unlike the primary aluminium sector, South America dominates the alumina industry over North America. South America’s production and analysis However, South America’s alumina production in July saw a dip from this year’s highest output in the previous month. Recording a fall of 5.36 per cent, South America’s alumina production in July stood at 989,000 tonnes versus 1.045 million tonnes in June. July was the second month this year when South America’s alumina output volume stood below the 1 million tonnes level. In February, the production volume was 975,000 tonnes,...
Russian aluminium's share in EU imports falls amid sanction pressure
The European Union's approach to Russian primary aluminium imports has significantly transformed in a landscape marked by evolving geopolitical tensions, as revealed by a recent report by Eurasia Strategic Consulting. While presently, any formal sanctions on Russian aluminium remain absent, other than the earlier ban on the aluminium wire rod, foil, tubes, and pipes supplied from Russia, the practical reality of self-sanctioning by European importers and the ripple effects of secondary sanctions have dramatically altered the market dynamics. Recent actions from the U.S. and UK governments have significantly influenced the shift in the EU's stance on Russian primary aluminium imports. In April 2024, both nations took decisive steps that led the London Metals Exchange (LME) and the Chicago...
Aerosol can deliveries show positive growth in H1 2024 fueled by sustainability goals and higher GDP per capita
The International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers, popularly known as AEROBAL, reveals its latest survey showing a significant increase in global deliveries from its members in the first half of 2024. According to the survey, the deliveries grew across all the major packaging industries, driven by strong demand, particularly from the cosmetic industry. Products like deodorants and hairsprays reported a growth of 7 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively, in aluminium container deliveries. The food sector also recorded a strong market, securing 12 per cent more aluminium containers in H1 2024 than in the corresponding period of the previous year. Deliveries to the pharmaceutical sector grew by around 3 per cent. AEROBAL suggests deodorants and perfumes are the...
China demonstrates an uptrend in aluminium exports and imports for August 2024, suggesting a demand recovery
In August 2024, China’s imports and exports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products increased, suggesting an increase in domestic production and a gradual recovery in demand aligned with a ramp-up in overseas orders for Chinese aluminium semis. Overview of August imports According to the General Customs data, China’s unwrought aluminium and aluminium product imports in August saw a significant month-on-month hike of 7.69 per cent, while that on a year-on-year basis witnessed a growth of 1.9 per cent. As per the Customs data, China imported 280,000 tonnes of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products in August 2024, compared to 260,000 tonnes imported in July. Thus, the total imports in the first eight months of 2024 amounted to 2.58 million tonnes, up by 51 per cent from the...
Aluminium stocks at Japanese ports drop 9% Y-o-Y in August, highlighting ongoing supply issues in Asia
Aluminium stocks at Japan’s three major ports – Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka decreased year-on-year, indicating persistent supply constraints in Asia. Compared to 360,700 tonnes at the end of August 2023, stocks in August 2024 recorded a sharp fall of 9.26 per cent, showed Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate. Nonetheless, the stocks hovered above 300,000 tonnes, marking a month-on-month increase of 9.25 per cent from 299,600 tonnes. According to the data shared by Marubeni, Japanese aluminium stocks at the end of August 2024 stood at 327,300 tonnes. Stocks at three ports At Yokohama, aluminium stocks at the end of August 2024 stood at 152,000 tonnes, down by 8,000 tonnes or 5 per cent from 160,000 tonnes in August 2023. In...
Akfa Aluminium’s 'B+/B' credit rating reflects strong future leveraging Uzbekistan’s global industrial position
Akfa Aluminium, Uzbekistan's leading manufacturer of aluminium and PVC profiles, has reportedly received 'B+/B' long and short-term issuer credit ratings from S&P Global for demonstrating a stable outlook in the Central Asian market. In 2023, Akfa emerged as the largest producer of aluminium and PVC profiles in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, with a sales figure of UZS 4.3 trillion (approx. $347 million). The company, with its revenue and business size, controls 62 per cent of aluminium profiles market and 55 per cent of PVC profiles market in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country, is gradually taking a key position in the world with its industrial developments. According to the survey revealed by the Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Research (IMRI), industrial production in...
US aluminium market shift: 11.5% drop in primary production but 6.78% increase in scrap recovery during H1 2024
In the first half of 2024, the United States experienced a sharp fall of 39,000 tonnes or 11.50 per cent in its primary aluminium production compared to the same period of the previous year. The drop was consistent each month, averaging a decrease of 7,000 tonnes to 8,000 tonnes per month from January to June 2024. The United States' total production of primary aluminium through the first half of 2024 amounted to 339,000 tonnes versus 378,000 tonnes a year ago. In June 2024, the United States' primary aluminium production was 55,000 tonnes, down by 7,000 tonnes or 11.29 per cent from 62,000 tonnes a year ago. On a month-on-month basis, the output dropped by 2,000 tonnes from 57,000 tonnes. In the second quarter of 2024, the output amounted to 167,000 tonnes, down by 5,000 tonnes from...
Q2 2024: US bauxite imports decline 28% Y-o-Y in response to reduced primary aluminium production
The United States bauxite imports in the second quarter of 2024 decreased year-on-year in response to a lower demand for raw materials on account of reduced output of primary aluminium during the same period. According to the United States Geological Survey, the United States' bauxite imports fell 28 per cent Y-o-Y, while primary aluminium production dropped 12 per cent in Q2 2024. The annual drop in the United States Q2 bauxite import volume also led to a fall in the total imports through H1 2024. From 1.2 million tonnes in H1 2023, the United States bauxite imports decreased to 1.03 million tonnes in H1 2024, reflecting a 14.17 per cent Y-o-Y fall. In Q2 2024, the United States bauxite imports stood at 527,000 tonnes, down by 28 per cent from 733,000 tonnes in Q2 2023. However, on a...
China’s primary aluminium production remains stable in August’24, exceeding previous record high
China's primary aluminium production and supply remained stable in August 2024 without being affected by power shortages in Sichuan, found the Shanghai Metals Market survey. According to SMM data, China's primary aluminium production in August marginally grew month-on-month from the previous month's high by 0.16 per cent, indicating a steady operational scenario. At the end of August, the domestic operating capacity was 43.49 million tonnes versus 43.42 million tonnes a month ago. SMM further showed China’s primary aluminium production volume stood at 3.689 million tonnes in August versus 3.683 million tonnes in July 2024. Annually, the August output recorded an increase of 18 per cent. From January to August 2024, China's total primary aluminium production amounted to 28.545 million...
China’s bauxite imports soar to a record high, buoyed by 14.6% hike in Guinea’s supply
According to the General Administration of Customs, China's bauxite imports reached a historically high level for July 2024, with a month-on-month increase of 12.49 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 16.50 per cent. The import volume stood at 15.0007 million tonnes in July, compared to 13.3348 million tonnes a month ago. In June, the import volume was down by 1.58 per cent M-o-M, showed Customs data. From January to July 2024, China's total bauxite imports amounted to 92.3514 million tonnes, reflecting an annual increase of 8.7 per cent. Sources of imports In July 2024, Guinea, Australia, Turkey, Laos, Malaysia, Côte d'Ivoire, Montenegro, and Brazil were the major sources of China's bauxite imports. From Guinea, China imported 10.4897 million tonnes in July, up by 10.36 per cent M-o-M...
From solar panels to wind turbines: Role of aluminium in renewable energy infrastructure
Imagine a future where the air is clean, the skies are clear, and our energy sources are as renewable as the sun and wind themselves. At the heart of this green transformation lies an unsung hero—aluminium. However, it might not always have captured the spotlight like more glamorous materials, this unassuming metal is quietly driving a revolution in renewable energy. Alternative and clean energy sources drive ongoing research and development in the aluminium industry, sparking process innovations. From solar panels to wind turbines, aluminium has become an essential material in today's renewable energy landscape. Solar and wind energy have emerged as promising alternatives for powering aluminium smelting operations. However, their intermittent nature presents a challenge that can be...
Cost-effective solar cells: Yangzhou University in China reduces silver use with aluminium paste
China's Yangzhou University researchers have developed a solar cell using tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology. This innovation significantly cuts costs by replacing the traditionally expensive silver paste with a screen-printed aluminium (Al) paste. A spokesperson from the research team mentioned that they are still refining the innovation. However, they are currently undertaking tests with JA Solar, a leading Chinese solar module manufacturer, and Ruxing Technology Development Co. Ltd., a specialist in paste manufacturing, to test and enhance the technology. The group constructed an 182 mm x 182 mm cell on a 140 μm n-type Czochralski wafer. The rear-side passivation contact structure was designed with a 1.6 nm silicon monoxide (SiOx) layer and a 250 nm phosphorus-doped...
South America outpaces North America in primary aluminium production growth rate for July 2024
According to the International Aluminium Institute's data, primary aluminium production in the Americas totalled 464,000 tonnes, of which 71.98 per cent was contributed by North America and 28 per cent by South America. On a month-on-month basis, the total output in the Americas marked an increase of 2.88 per cent from 451,000 tonnes, while that on a year-on-year calculation recorded a growth of 2.2 per cent from 454,000 tonnes. Interestingly, the month-on-month and year-on-year growth rate was higher in South America than in the North, despite the latter region being a crucial hub for primary aluminium production. To delve deeper into this observation, continue reading our detailed analysis. Production Overview - South vs North America In July 2024, primary aluminium production in South...
Italy pushes for early review of EU's 2035 combustion engine ban
Italian officials are calling for an early review of the European Union's plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin criticised the policy as "absurd" and driven by an "ideological vision," arguing that it imposes a rigid, state-controlled approach to policymaking within the bloc. Speaking at the TEHA business forum in Cernobbio, Italy, Pichetto Fratin highlighted the significant challenges of the EU's decision, particularly in light of the ongoing slowdown in the European auto industry. He stressed that the ban should be reassessed to reflect shifting market realities. Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso also weighed in, suggesting that the planned mid-point review of the legislation, currently scheduled for 2026,...
“JS Group and later Uniseven have many firsts; in fact, it has grown with the growth of the primary aluminium industry in India,” Kamal Prakash, Director, Uniseven Engineering & Infrastructure
Kamal Prakash is passionate about aluminium and is the director of Uniseven Engineering & Infrastructure, part of the 124-year-old JS Group, which has been servicing the global aluminium value chain for the last 50 years. JS and Uniseven have pioneered introducing a number of technologies and technological products to the aluminium industry, helping process improvements, CAPEX and OPEX reduction, CO2 emission reduction, and enhanced recycling. Also, he is involved in the fields of education and health, especially mental health and economic and environmental sustainability initiatives, especially with an economically weakest section of society. He is also an avid gardener. He holds a degree in Business Management and brings 44 years of global experience working with partners across the...
“Asian industry is gaining traction in aluminium production due to growing demand from many industries,” Isabelle Gaudreau, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, EPIQ Machinery
Isabelle Gaudreau manages Marketing and Communication for EPIQ Machinery. She has managed all marketing-related activities since the merger between Mecfor and Advanced Dynamics. Isabelle's journey in the industry began in 2006 when she played a pivotal role in assisting the MECFOR sales team develop standards, marketing, promotional materials, and general sales activities. Her background in professional writing, creative design work, and administrative services offers a balanced mix of insights into the industry and observation of new trends and opportunities. AL Circle: What is your perspective on the current state of the Asian aluminium industry? How do you see the demand for aluminium evolving in Asia over the next decade? Isabelle Gaudreau: The Asian aluminium industry, despite facing...
Ghana's President invites Chinese investors to power economic transformation
Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has invited Chinese business leaders to participate actively in the country's ongoing economic transformation. Speaking at the China-Ghana Business Forum in Shenzhen, the President emphasised the strong and long-standing relationship between the two nations and highlighted Ghana's vast investment opportunities. With the country aiming to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional exports like gold and cocoa, President Akufo-Addo stressed that Chinese investment would be pivotal in driving this shift. He noted that China, as one of Ghana's largest trading partners, plays a key role in the country's development strategy, and the active participation of Chinese investors can significantly shape Ghana's economic future. Ghana and...
