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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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...
Primary aluminium production in North & South America sees over 4% rise in H1 amid periodic declines
Data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute indicates a year-on-year increase in both North and South America's primary aluminium production during the first half of 2024. Even amid occasional declines in some months, primary aluminium output in North America rose by 4.35 per cent, while South America saw an increase of 4.74 per cent by the end of H1 2024. In North America, primary aluminium production in six months of 2024 amounted to 1.992 million tonnes versus 1.909 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. In South America, the output totalled 751,000 tonnes compared to 717,000 tonnes a year ago. Overview of quarter-wise output In June, North America's primary aluminium production stood at 325,000 tonnes, down by 3.85 per cent from 338,000 tonnes...
The European aluminium market still suffers from muted demand, demonstrated by a 6% fall in foil deliveries
The extended period of weak demand for aluminium has adversely affected both prices and metal deliveries. This trend is evident in European aluminium foil shipments, which totalled 217,800 tonnes in the first three months of 2024. According to the European Aluminium Foil Association, this shipment figure represents a year-on-year fall of 6 per cent compared to 231,700 tonnes. Europe is the second-largest consumer of aluminium foil globally, accounting for 15 percent of the world's usage . China remains the largest, representing approximately 49.5 percent of global consumption. The decline in shipments during Q1 2024 stemmed from a 3 per cent drop in demand. The downtrend in foil demand during the first quarter of 2024 was not only limited within the domestic market but also branched out...
Arrow Minerals expands presence with acquisition of Niagara Bauxite Project
Arrow Minerals Limited is pleased to announce a significant step forward in its expansion strategy with the entry into a Share Purchase Option Agreement (the Agreement) to acquire the Niagara Bauxite Project situated in Guinea. Guinea is currently the world's largest exporter of high-grade, low-impurity bauxite, and this acquisition marks a significant milestone for Arrow Minerals. Arrow Minerals Limited, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, is an exploration and development company focused on delivering long-term shareholder value by discovering economic mineral deposits in West Africa. Strategic expansion in bulk commodities The Niagara Bauxite Project is recognised as an advanced asset with a rich exploration history. Located just 100 km from the Simandou railway, set for...
“Sustainability is key to Mechatherm's ongoing business plan”, Chris Emes, Chairman, Mechatherm International Limited
Chris Emes is the newly appointed Chairman of Mechatherm International Limited, where he has served since 1980. Starting as a project engineer after graduating from John Moores University, Chris has held various roles, including Sales Manager in the UK and South Africa. As a key figure in developing aluminium recycling and cast house technologies, he became the sole Managing Director in 1993. Influenced by the company's founders, Chris has driven significant milestones, such as securing Mechatherm's first million-pound order and receiving the Queen's Award for Enterprise. His leadership focuses on innovation, sustainability, and expanding Mechatherm's global reach, particularly in the Australasian and Asian markets. AL Circle: Could you briefly overview your career and how you arrived at...
World alumina production in H1 2024 heightens 2.34% Y-o-Y despite sluggish contribution from Oceania
World alumina output in the first half of 2024 scaled up 2.34 per cent year-on-year, owing to enormous production above 12 million tonnes in March and May 2024. Almost all the leading alumina-producing regions, except for Oceania, drove the worldwide alumina production hike in H1. Overview of H1 output According to the International Aluminium Institute data, the world alumina production in H1 2024 totalled 70.965 million tonnes, of which 58 per cent was contributed by China. Compared to the past year, global alumina production grew by 2.34 per cent in H1 2024, while China’s contribution to the output remained essentially unchanged in comparison with 57.97 per cent last year. The contribution of Oceania to the H1 alumina production decreased year-on-year from 13.51 per cent to 12.50 per...
