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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The UK’s aluminium packaging recycling rate hit an impressive 68% in 2023: Tom Giddings, CEO, Alupro
AL Circle: Can you briefly overview Alupro's mission and objectives. How does Alupro contribute to promoting aluminium recycling in the UK? Tom Giddings: Our key objective is to act as the voice of the aluminium packaging value chain to ensure the views of private organisations are heard by the government as we work to increase recycling rates, provide valuable insights, and improve the rules and infrastructure around recycling to ensure aluminium packaging can fulfil its gold-standard potential for the circular economy. As part of our work, we lobby the government on behalf of our members, encouraging positive changes to legislation and the wider industry in the best interests of aluminium packaging. Alongside this, we also take part in steering groups presenting the thoughts and...
Inner Mongolia Mengtai Group acquires Alu Menziken, NNDKP among key advisors
Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP) played a pivotal role in the recent acquisition of Alu Menziken Group by Inner Mongolia Mengtai Group Co., Ltd. The Chinese conglomerate purchased Alu Menziken Group from Montana Aerospace AG. NNDKP provided expert legal counsel within the Romanian jurisdiction, ensuring compliance and smooth transaction processes. The acquisition was a collaborative effort coordinated by the German law firm HEUKING, which served as the lead counsel. HEUKING effectively managed local counsel across Switzerland, Austria, and Romania to facilitate this cross-border transaction. Alu Menziken is a well-established manufacturer of lightweight aluminium components, offering solutions for e-battery systems, structural elements, high-quality aluminium profiles ,...
May 2024: World primary aluminium production exceeds 6 million tonnes, driven by China's 2-year high output
In May 2024, the world's primary aluminium production experienced a month-on-month increase of 3.86 per cent to repossess the 6 million tonnes level. This monthly growth in May followed a decline in April by 3 per cent from 6.089 million tonnes to 5.906 million tonnes. According to the latest data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute, the global primary aluminium production in May amounted to 6.134 million tonnes, the highest in the past five months and up 3.44 per cent from 5.93 million tonnes a year ago. The daily average production in May was 197,900 tonnes, an increase of 0.51 per cent from 196,900 tonnes in April and up by 3.45 per cent from 191,300 tonnes in May 2023. From January to May 2024, the world's primary aluminium production totalled 29.901 million tonnes,...
China advances towards 2030 carbon emissions goal, cutting 4.3% thermal power consumption in May 2024
China's progressive transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, harnessed from sunlight and water for power generation, is instilling a sense of optimism. This shift, by the world's largest polluter, is a promising step towards achieving net-zero emissions, offering a beacon of hope for the global environment. Encouragingly, the usage of thermal power, which accounts for a lion's share of China's carbon footprint, was reduced by 4.3 per cent in May from the previous year, the most significant drop since 2022. Instead, thermal power was largely replaced by hydroelectricity. In May, hydropower generation in China surged 39 per cent after heavy rains fed a recovery in Southwest China's Yunnan province, one of the world's largest hydropower-producing regions. Output from large solar...
Implementing policy changes at both national and international levels can significantly reduce the environmental impacts of bauxite mining: Matthew Groch, Mighty Earth
Matthew Groch is the Senior Director of Decarbonisation at Mighty Earth, overseeing the organisation’s decarbonisation campaign. In his role, he focuses on transforming the heavy industry, including steel and aluminium, towards more sustainable practices across its supply chains. Matthew also ensures that the leading automakers in the electric vehicle transition are shifting their material supply chains to low-carbon and deforestation-free sources. Before joining Mighty Earth, Matthew Groch was Deputy Director at Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch, working on critical issues such as the NAFTA renegotiation and global COVID-19 vaccine access. Matthew holds a B.A. in political science from Drew University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2008. AL Circle: Can you provide an overview of Mighty...
Lightweight, strong & ready for battles: Aluminium’s legacy in the defence industry
In the ever-evolving landscape of defence, where speed, agility, and resilience define the edge between victory and defeat, aluminium emerges as a silent but formidable ally. Renowned for its lightweight yet robust nature, aluminium is revolutionising a wide array of defence applications—from the construction of agile aircraft and resilient naval vessels to the development of cutting-edge armoured vehicles and advanced weaponry. Its unique properties—lightweight, high strength, and resistance to harsh environments—make it an essential material, transforming military capabilities and redefining the landscape of defence technology. The first military use of aluminium dates back to 1892, when the French government employed it for their torpedo boats. The U.S. Army soon followed, albeit with...
Jan-May 2024: China’s aluminium raw material imports set a bullish trend, with alumina inflows surging 60% Y-o-Y
During January-May 2024, China witnessed a positive trend of aluminium raw material and aluminium product imports, as demonstrated by the Shanghai Metals Market’s latest survey. Considering raw materials, China’s bauxite and alumina imports grew in May due to the growing demand for primary metal production, as many smelters, especially in Yunnan, resumed operations because of the increased generation of hydropower backed by sufficient rainfall. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s primary aluminium production in May reached 3.65 million tonnes, marking a 2-year high. China is increasingly depending on imported ore as domestic supply lines are struggling. At the end of May, out of 100 million tonnes, China’s operating capacity stood at 82.29 million tonnes, with an...
EU critical raw materials: Italy anticipates to source 16 domestically
Italian authorities are planning to implement a comprehensive package of measures to enhance procurement and reprocessing of critical raw materials, according to a draft decree reviewed by Reuters and reported by Mining.com. This initiative, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration, underscores a strategic shift towards reducing dependency on imports, particularly from countries such as China. Key among the measures is streamlined permitting procedures designed to expedite the release of mining concessions, facilitating greater domestic extraction of essential materials. This policy shift reflects the government's commitment to bolstering local industries and securing a more self-reliant economic future. Italy estimates it can domestically source 16 out of the 34 raw...
Upcoming EU-India trade talks: New Delhi to seek carbon tax exemption for SMEs
In the upcoming free trade deal negotiations with the European Union, India is set to request a three-year exemption for its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from a proposed mandatory tariff on carbon-intensive imports. Two sources familiar with the matter disclosed this stance, underscoring India's ongoing resistance to the carbon tariff, which it also opposed at the World Trade Organisation's ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, as reported by Mint. The eighth round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions is scheduled to take place in Brussels from June 24 to 28, 2024. During these talks, India plans to reiterate its concerns and seek relief for its MSMEs, which it argues would be disproportionately affected by the imposition of the carbon tariff. The...
Shipping gets a green upgrade with ABB's 'Optimal Speed Routing' technology
ABB, the technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, has launched a groundbreaking feature within its Routing Services portfolio designed to facilitate vessel owners to manage fuel costs more effectively throughout their voyages. This innovative feature optimises both the vessel's route and speed simultaneously, a first in the maritime industry, integrating these capabilities into the ABB Ability™ Routeguard onshore routing service. The introduction marks the first major upgrade since ABB acquired the shipping business of DTN Europe BV and DTN Philippines Inc. earlier this year. The Optimal Speed Routing feature is a game-changer, providing real-time advice to operators on adjustments to their vessel's track and speed. It...
Europe’s (inc. Russia) April 2024 primary aluminium production drops M-o-M, but four months output remains stable
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, primary aluminium production in Western & Central Europe and Russia & Eastern Europe fell month-on-month in April 2024 but recorded a year-on-year rise. Closer view of Western & Central Europe’s output The IAI data revealed that primary aluminium output in Western & Central Europe was 226,000 tonnes, down by 6,000 tonnes or 2.6 per cent from 232,000 tonnes in March 2024 and up by 2,000 tonnes from 224,000 tonnes in April 2023. The above data indicates an overall downtrend in Western and Central Europe’s primary aluminium production, given that primary aluminium output in April 2024 recorded marginal annual growth and decreased significantly month-on-month. Encouragingly, the primary aluminium production downtrend in Western &...
Zimbabwe focuses on aluminium production to enhance industrial metal supply
In a strategic move to meet burgeoning industrial demand, the Southern African nation, the Zimbabwean government, has unveiled plans to amplify lightweight metal production through aluminium beneficiation. Recognising aluminium's pivotal role across diverse sectors—from automobiles to packaging and household equipment to aerospace technology and electrical and electronics—the government aims to position Zimbabwe in the global market. This initiative promises to invigorate the national economy and advance the nation's industrial capabilities, particularly as aluminium continues to supplant copper in electrical applications. During his visit to Tajikistan, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, the Vice President of Zimbabwe, announced a new initiative following his tour of the Tajik Aluminium Company...
Vedanta expands its aluminium prices by 1% at the end of the week, aligned with LME price move
Vedanta Limited, an Indian multinational mining company, has increased its aluminium selling prices with effect from Friday, June 14, following a cut on June 12. This move is in line with the global aluminium benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange (LME), which escalated on June 13. With effect from June 14, Vedanta has expanded its aluminium ingot price by INR 2,250 per tonne or 1 per cent to stand at INR 245,500-265,500 per tonne versus INR 243,250-263,250 per tonne on June 12. The price movement is aligned with the LME price growth of 1 per cent on June 13 from US$2,476 per tonne to US$2,498 per tonne. With the latest change, Vedanta’s aluminium wire rod and billet prices have come in at INR 255,000-264,000 per tonne and INR 256,000 per tonne, respectively, also up by INR 2,250...
US aluminium scrap trade demonstrates steady growth trend with 2% rise in Q1 exports and 6% hike in imports
The US aluminum scrap market has kicked off 2024 with a significant momentum of 2.06 per cent rise in exports and 6.04 per cent rise in imports during the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a broader economic trend and strategic shifts in trade policies. The first quarter of the year has seen a notable increase in both imports and exports driven by rising global demand. Top destination countries of US aluminium scrap exports As of Q1 2023, US exported aluminium scrap mostly to Malaysia (100,000 tonnes) and India (96,700 tonnes), followed by South Korea, Thailand, and China. Whereas in Q1 2024, the list remained unchanged, except for South Korea and Thailand's positions as importers. In the said period, Thailand emerged as the third largest importer, sourcing 78,800 tonnes. Q-o-Q analysis...
Africa & Asia’s April 2024 alumina production lags behind South America as it declines by 19% M-o-M
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, Africa & Asia (ex-China), the world’s third-largest alumina-producing spot after China and Oceania, witnessed a sharp month-on-month fall of 19.25 per cent, standing below 1 million tonnes for the first time in the past three years. The last time Africa & Asia’s alumina output stood below 1 million tonnes was in April 2020, standing at 978,000 tonnes. In April 2024, the production reached 997,000 tonnes, up by 1.94 per cent from the same period in 2020 On a year-on-year basis, Africa & Asia’s alumina output in April 2024 decreased by 6.38 per cent from 1.065 million tonnes. The daily average output in April 2024 was 33,200 tonnes, down by 16.58 per cent M-o-M from 39,800 tonnes and 6.48 per cent less Y-o-Y than 35,500 tonnes. From...
Eurozone industrial growth stalls amid rising tariff concerns
In April, the Eurozone's industrial production experienced a slight decline, falling by 0.1 per cent compared to March. This marks a significant downturn, with production now standing 3 per cent lower than it did a year ago. Despite the persistent risks to the economic outlook, particularly from political uncertainties, there are early signs that the decline may be reaching its nadir. Analysts suggest a cautious recovery could be on the horizon for the year's second half, offering a glimmer of hope for the region's industrial sector. Since early 2023, the Eurozone industry has been experiencing a slowdown, with recent data showing no signs of an imminent recovery. Although the broader economy has shown signs of improvement since the beginning of the year, the industrial sector continues...
Japanese aluminium stocks remain steady M-o-M in May 2024, contributed by a 3% growth at Nagoya
According to a Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation, aluminium stocks at Japan’s three major ports stood steady in May 2024 compared to the previous month, but recorded a sharp fall from a year ago. Stocks increased in May following M-o-M downfall of 2.3 per cent in the previous month , totalling 308,100 tonnes. It is to be noted that Japanese stocks have maintained stability, remaining above 300,000 tonnes. As per the data revealed, aluminium stocks at Japanese ports totalled 308,700 tonnes in May 2024 compared to 308,100 tonnes in April 2024. On a year-on-year calculation, aluminium stocks in May marked a plunge of 12.8 per cent from 354,000 tonnes. The major ports in Japan with highest aluminium trading include Yokohama, Nagoya, and...
Aluminium extrusions: Quenching the thirst for ‘Green Metal’ among manufacturing sectors
It is no secret that aluminium is now a popular choice of metal in architectural, automotive, electronics, aerospace, energy, and other industries. But do you know which form of aluminium is used in these industrial sectors? Yes, aluminium extrusions, which are created by extruding aluminium through a die to create complex shapes, making the metal versatile for numerous applications. Driven by a deliberate transition towards a 100% recyclable metal to promote sustainability, the demand and use of aluminium extrusions in end-user products is on a steady rise. In 2023, the estimated usage of aluminium extrusions stood at 31.5 million tonnes, and with the growth projection, it is expected to reach 40.1 million tonnes by 2030, marking a CAGR of 3.51 per cent. World aluminium extrusions usage,...
