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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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,...
Aluminium market performance: A mid-year analysis and outlook
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it's time to evaluate the performance of aluminium in the current market landscape. This analysis delves into the recent trends and factors impacting aluminium prices, offering insights into what we can expect in the year's second half. Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange soared to a two-year high by the end of May'24, spurred mainly by renewed investment in commodities following a significant rise in copper prices. Source: LME, AL Circle News Following Rio Tinto's declaration of force majeure on alumina shipments from its Queensland refineries due to gas shortages affecting their operations, supply risks temporarily drove aluminium prices higher. This force majeure impacts only third-party export supply, leaving Rio Tinto's own smelters...
Primary aluminium production in North and South America demonstrates steady annual growth during April 2024
According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), North America’s primary aluminium production dwindled over a month in April 2024 but did not shy away from recording an annual hike. Total production in the four months of 2024 also increased on an annual basis, indicating an overall positive trend of operation at North American smelters. As per the data revealed by IAI, primary aluminium production in North America during April 2024 amounted to 331,000 tonnes, reflecting a fall of 2.93 per cent or 10,000 tonnes from 341,000 tonnes a month ago. However, on a year-on-year calculation, the output stood at 11,000 tonnes or 3.44 per cent higher compared to 320,000 tonnes. From January to April 2024, North America produced 1.329 million tonnes of primary aluminium, which marked an...
NALCO trims its aluminium ingot price by INR3500/t with effect from June 8
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) reduced its aluminium prices with effect from Saturday, June 8, in line with the downtrend of the LME aluminium benchmark price. The company trimmed its aluminium ingot price by INR 3,500 per tonne or 1.35 per cent on June 8 from INR 254,950-258,450 per tonne on June 1. Thus, the current price of NALCO’s aluminium ingot price stands at INR 251,450-254,950 per tonne. NALCO also reduced its aluminium wire rod price and aluminium billets price by INR 3,500 per tonne, with effect from June 8. That brought the prices at INR 260,450-264,800 per tonne and INR 255,900-258,550 per tonne, respectively, versus INR 259,400-262,050 per tonne and INR 263,950-268,300 per tonne. Like any other Indian aluminium companies, NALCO links its aluminium prices with the...
US aluminium crude metals and alloys imports upswing in Q1 2024; Canada tops supplier list despite lower export volume
The latest data revealed by the US Geological Survey indicates a sequential increase in the United States’ aluminium crude metals and alloys imports during the first quarter of 2024. On an annual basis, the imports also recorded an upswing, showed the USGS data. In Q1 2024, the United States imported 911,000 tonnes of aluminium crude metals and alloys, up by 5.81 per cent Q-o-Q from 861,000 tonnes and 1.12 per cent Y-o-Y from 901,000 tonnes. The United States Q1 imports recorded an uptrend, both on a sequential and annual basis, despite a drop in March 2024. In the said month, the United States imports of aluminium crude metals and alloys amounted to 270,000 tonnes, down by 19.48 per cent from 344,000 tonnes in February 2024 and 12.34 per cent less than 316,000 tonnes in March 2023. In...
US primary aluminium production grows in March 2024 but fails to offset Q1 decline
The United States' domestic primary aluminium production in March 2024 recorded a month-on-month increase after two back-to-back months of decline in January and February. However, on a year-on-year calculation, the United States' primary aluminium production in March was 12.31 per cent less than 65,000 tonnes. According to the latest data revealed by the US Geological Survey, the United States produced 57,000 tonnes of primary aluminium in March 2024, which reflected an increase of 8,000 tonnes or 12.30 per cent in February 2024. It is to be noted here that despite the month-on-month increase in March 2024, primary aluminum production in the United States experienced a decline for the entire Q1 period when compared both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year. The United States accumulated...
