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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Hulamin sees a 19% drop in H1 earnings due to poor export market; positive domestic demand drives expansion projects
Hulamin, a South African company that manufactures rolled aluminium products for precision and high technology applications, has reportedly announced its H1 financial performance ended June 30, 2024, highlighting reduced earnings caused by export pricing pressure and market challenges. As per the data revealed, Hulamin’s earnings before interest taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased 19 per cent Y-o-Y to R343 million, with rolled product sales down 3 per cent Y-o-Y to 87,340 tonnes. The group’s operating profit fell 8 per cent Y-o-Y to R433 million, while earnings per share plunged by 38 per cent to 43c. Amid this subdued fiscal outcome, Hulamin reported strong aluminium demand in the local market, up by 8 per cent, helping to offset weaker export market demand. CEO Mark...
European aluminium foundry market sees headwind due to subdued domestic automotive production
Analysts from Fastmarkets have reported a slowdown in aluminium consumption in the European automotive industry, underpinning muted economic factors. A considerable decline in automobile production due to the ill effects of the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in reduced applications of lightweight metal, according to Fastmarkets analyst James Moore. Kirstine Veitch, principal consultant at Fastmarkets, also explained: “The real issue is the low level of vehicle output in Europe. While automotive output remains depressed, the European PFA sector will remain challenging.” The effect of the decreased production of automobiles is also seen in the premiums of primary foundry alloy (PFA), which is primarily used in automotive parts. According to Fastmarkets data, premiums for aluminium...
H1 2024: South America’s alumina production grows 4% Y-o-Y, whereas North America’s output shrinks 12%
In June 2024, alumina production in South America reached its highest level in six months, totalling 1.045 million tonnes. This figure represents a 2.85 per cent increase from the previous month and a 19.29 per cent rise compared to June 2023. Notably, this production level reflects a sharp contrast to the lowest output of 876,000 tonnes recorded in June 2023 during the first half of the year. Maintaining an output above 1 million tonnes during April-June 2024, South America registered a total alumina production of 3.094 million tonnes, up by 2.82 per cent from 3.009 million tonnes in Q1 2024 and 10.26 per cent higher than 2.806 million tonnes in Q2 2023. South America’s total alumina production in H1 2024 was 6.103 million tonnes, an increase of 3.86 per cent from 5.876 million tonnes....
Clean energy transition to propel a 9% increase in aluminium use in the B&C sector by 2027
The Aluminum Association has revealed some excerpts from Ducker Carlisle's report, "Building the Future: Trends in Aluminum Use in the U.S. Construction Market," which indicate a 9 per cent increase in aluminium usage within the building and construction (B&C) sector from 2022 to 2027. This growth is attributed to the shift towards clean energy and efforts to reduce carbon footprints. The report highlights that commercial buildings and clean energy applications like solar installations will primarily drive the growth of aluminium use in the coming years. In addition, federal infrastructure spending and emission reduction programmes supported by the Inflation Reduction Act will contribute to the increase in aluminium use across the building & construction sector. Every $100,000 in...
"Respect for the environment embodies the Hu'chu philosophy and my personal story," Daniel Roesner, CEO at Hu'chu GmbH
An actor, film producer and environmental entrepreneur, Daniel Roesner is an innovative leader and the CEO of Hu'chu 55, a company known for its sustainable catamaran projects. With a vision rooted deeply in environmental stewardship and cutting-edge technology, Roesner has guided Hu'chu 55 to the forefront of eco-friendly marine transportation. His commitment to sustainability is reflected in the company’s flagship project, the Hu'chu 55 catamaran, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency and comfort. In addition to his role at Hu'chu 55, Roesner is an advocate for sustainable practices across various sectors, often speaking at industry events and contributing to discussions on the future of green technology. His work continues to inspire others in the...
Focus China: Navigating price drop & demand challenges
The first half of 2024 witnessed significant developments in the Chinese aluminium industry, reflecting a blend of challenges, strategic shifts and growth. As a result, China's economic condition also witnessed significant changes during the H1 2024, owing to reasons like the demand production gap, which in turn resulted in higher aluminium prices. Apart from this, other specific reasons, like the ease of electricity shortage in the Yunnan province, also resulted in significant changes in the economic conditions. Another reason that brought about changes in the Chinese aluminium industry can be attributed to Rio Tinto's declaration of force majeure on alumina shipments from its Queensland refineries due to gas shortages, which in turn affected their operations, leading to supply risks...
China’s aluminium output reaches another new high in July 2024, with ingot production improving 6.4%
China’s domestic aluminium production in July 2024 reached a new high, recording a 3.22 per cent increase year-on-year and a 3.66 per cent rise month-on-month, attributed to full production resumption at Yunnan smelters and new capacity commencement in Inner Mongolia. According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China churned out a staggering amount of 3.683 million tonnes of aluminium, compared to 3.553 million tonnes in June. The continued increase led to a total production in seven month to over 25 million tonnes. However, amid the ongoing traditional off-season, the reduction or maintenance of billet factories and other aluminium processing plants has impacted the proportion of liquid aluminium, which again decreased by 1.1 percentage points M-o-M and 1.9 percentage points Y-o-Y to...
Despite Russian aluminium stocks growing to 65%, total LME warrant inventories decline in July
The share of Russian aluminium stocks on the London Metal Exchange-approved warehouses continued to increase in July 2024, accounting for 65 per cent of the total stocks. In June, the share of stocks of Russian origin on the London Metal Exchange was 50 per cent after rising from 42 per cent in May. However, it is to be noted that the total aluminium stocks on LME have been decreasing month-on-month. In July, the total stocks amounted to 359,250 tonnes, down by 22.99 per cent from 466,500 tonnes in June, whereas the stocks in May were at 590,975 tonnes. Of the total stocks in July, Russian aluminium stocks on the LME warrant were 233,775 tonnes, up by 1,425 tonnes from 232,350 tonnes in June. The increasing proportion of Russian aluminium stocks in LME-approved warehouses results from the...
China’s domestic alumina production mounts above 7 Mt in July, bolstering prices alongside steady consumption
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China's alumina production continued to record an annual rise in July 2024, buoyed by increased operating rates in Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Guangxi. In July (31 days), China's metallurgical-grade alumina output was 7.173 million tonnes, registering a month-on-month rise of 4.84 per cent from 6.842 million tonnes and a year-on-year increase of 4.43 per cent. From January to July, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production totalled 47.466 million tonnes, up 3.92 per cent Y-o-Y. The daily average production stood at 231,400 tonnes, an increase of 3,300 tonnes from 228,100 tonnes per day in June. At the end of July, China's metallurgical-grade alumina capacity stood at 100.6 million tonnes, with an operating capacity of 84.46 per cent and...
MIND ID announces September 2024 launch for smelter grade alumina refinery project
Indonesia’s state-owned mining holding company, MIND ID, has officially announced that its Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) project is on track to commence operations in September 2024. This project is a critical element of MIND ID’s broader strategy to bolster infrastructure and increase the value of mineral commodities within Indonesia. Melati Sarnita, Director of Business Development at PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum), shared that Indonesian President Joko Widodo will visit the project site to mark the commissioning phase of the Mempawah project in West Kalimantan. The President has been formally invited to the site, underscoring the national significance of this initiative. On August 9, 2024, Melati said, “We want to start the bauxite injection process according to plan....
US aluminium scrap exports see Y-o-Y growth from Jan to May 2024, driven by shifts in Thailand's consumption patterns
In the wake of increased aluminium scrap generation, the United States' aluminium scrap exports experienced an annual growth of 9,000 tonnes or 1.05 per cent during the first five months of 2024. According to the US Census Bureau survey, the United States' year-to-date aluminium scrap generation totalled 1.468 million tonnes, up 7.23 per cent from 1.369 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. From January to May 2024, the United States exported 867,000 tonnes versus 858,000 tonnes a year ago. In May, aluminium scraps export volume from the United States amounted to 192,000 tonnes, reflecting an increase of 12,000 tonnes or 6.67 per cent from 180,000 tonnes in April 2024. However, on a year-on-year basis, the export volume stood slightly down by 4,000 tonnes...
"The EEASY Lid is the world’s first aluminium lug jar lid," Brandon Bach, President of CCT
Brandon Bach brings over 18 years of experience in project management, marketing, and video production, including expertise in video and graphic design and the coordination of live events. As the current president of Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT), he leads the company behind the EEASY Lid, a significant innovation in jar lids that represents the first major advancement in over 75 years. AL Circle: Tell us about yourself and CCT. Brandon Bach: My name is Brandon Bach, and I am the president of Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT). CCT is the maker of the EEASY Lid – the first jar lid innovation in 80 years. AL Circle: What is the EEASY Lid? Brandon Bach: The EEASY Lid helps take the struggle out of opening stubborn jars. It allows consumers to vent a vacuum-sealed jar by...
Ningbo Shenma Group leads the green power transmission revolution with innovative copper-aluminium composite bus ducts
Ningbo Shenma Group, based in Zhejiang province, has made a significant stride in the green power transmission sector. Their cutting-edge copper-aluminium composite products position the company as a global leader in enhancing power delivery systems and promise to revolutionise power transmission systems worldwide. Bus ducts, the latest advancement in current-carrying conductors, are gaining momentum as they gradually replace traditional transmission methods in low-voltage power systems. Unlike conventional bus ducts made from pure copper or aluminium, these new composite products have a unique advantage: their superior efficiency, making them the future of power transmission. Aluminium is often used in scenarios where high electrical conductivity is not critical, and copper, renowned for...
South32 faces community opposition over Worsley Alumina project expansion
The residents of several communities in south-west Western Australia have joined forces to oppose South32's future mining projects, citing growing concerns about Worsley Alumina. Residents of the Shires of Boddington, Wandering, and Williams, located approximately 130 kilometres southeast of Perth, are represented by Locals for Environmental Action and Protection (LEAP). LEAP emerged last year in response to intensified mining activities at Worsley Alumina, including the installation of a haul road over Pinjarra-Williams Road. Worsley Alumina is an integrated bauxite mining and alumina refining operation in the Southwest of Western Australia. Founded in 1984, it is today recognised as one of the largest alumina refineries in the world. Since its formation, LEAP has been actively engaging...
Metal Source expands footprint with the acquisition of Imperial Aluminum in Alabama
Gebhart Holdings, Metal Source's parent company, has announced the acquisition of Imperial Aluminum's assets in Scottsboro, Alabama. This strategic purchase marks Metal Source's first location outside Indiana, enhancing its capabilities and market reach. However, the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. The newly acquired facility, which will be rebranded as Metal Source, spans over 40 acres and employs approximately 80 full-time staff. With an impressive recycling capacity exceeding 100 million pounds annually, the site will produce a variety of aluminium alloys, zinc alloys, and aluminium deox cones. Colin Denihan, Metal Source's Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the strategic significance of the Alabama location in meeting the growing demand for...
China’s aluminium usage for NEVs likely to reach a double-digit figure by 2030
Increasing investments and developments in China’s new energy vehicle sector are expected to boost aluminium consumption to nearly 10 million tonnes by 2030, compared to 2 million tonnes in 2023. This prediction follows the reported rise in China’s domestic production of new energy vehicles to 940,000 units in May 2024 , up 31.9 per cent from 712,660 units produced a year ago. In line with increased production, sales also grew in May this year by 33 per cent to 955,000 units versus 716,430 units. Thus, the market share of NEVs in China escalated to 39.5 per cent in May, out of total automobile sales amounting to 2.42 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). With the bullish forecast for China’s NEV production and sales, the domestic NEV share...
Africa & Asia’s alumina production in H1 2024 advanced 9.5% Y-o-Y, boosting contribution to global output
In the first half of 2024, alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) demonstrated an annual increase of 9.48 per cent, primarily due to robust output in the first quarter. According to the International Aluminium Institute, Africa & Asia’s alumina production in Q1 was 7.9 per cent higher than in Q2. A sharp decline in production in April 2024, reaching as low as 997,000 tonnes, negatively impacted the Q2 figures. Although output recovered in May and June, it could not fully offset the drop seen in April. Africa & Asia’s alumina production in Q2 2024 totalled 3.348 million tonnes, compared to 3.613 million tonnes in Q1. However, on a year-on-year basis, the Q2 2024 output edged an increase of 3.3 per cent from 3.241 million tonnes, making up for the H1 output totalling 6.961 million...
US aluminium crude metal and alloy imports declined 8% during Jan-May’24, contributed by lacklustre supply from UAE
The United States imports of aluminium crude metals and alloys in May 2024 reflected a decline of 18.18 per cent month-on-month to return to the import volume seen in March. Compared to a year ago, the United States aluminium crude metal and alloy imports in May plunged by 33.66 per cent. According to the USGS data, the United States aluminium crude metal and alloy imports in May 2024 stood at 270,000 tonnes, compared to 330,000 in April and 407,000 in May 2023. In two months of the second quarter, the United States imported 600,000 tonnes of aluminium crude metals and alloys. If this trend continues for one more month, the total imports for Q2 will still be below the 911,000 tonnes imported in the first quarter. The United States’ year-to-date imports totalled 1.51 million tonnes, down...
