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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"Our strategy to enhance profitability for our customers in the aluminium and steel sectors focuses on an in-depth analysis of price movements by leveraging historical data," Tushar Kamat, Chief Business officer (CBO) at Bizongo
Tushar Kamat, the Chief Business officer (CBO) at Bizongo, comes with more than 25 years of experience in sales leadership, scaling business growth, and enabling business transformation by developing go-to-market strategies for generating revenue. Kamat has had affiliations with notable companies such as SAP, Accenture, Airtel, and TCS. In his latest position as the head of the field operating unit for India's business at Automation Anywhere, he spearheaded a remarkable hyper-scale business growth of approximately 250 per cent during COVID-19. AL Circle: You have been a part of this organisation since 2022. How has your journey been so far? Tushar Kamat: I joined Bizongo as the Chief Business Officer in September 2022 to scale the business to the next level of profitable growth through...
Top African nations with the world's most critical minerals
Critical minerals, essential for both economic development and national security, are increasingly at the forefront of policy discussions. These vital resources, whose availability is often concentrated in a few geographical regions, pose significant supply chain risks. The disruption of supplies can have profound implications, from hindering technological advancement to compromising national security. Unlike other commodities, critical minerals lack a universal definition. Each country designates its list of critical minerals based on specific national needs and strategic priorities. This individualised approach underscores the diverse economic and security concerns that drive the global demand for these indispensable resources. Africa possesses 30 per cent of the world's critical...
Hindalco’s aluminium prices recede by INR 8000/t this week in line with LME aluminium downtrend
Hindalco Industries Limited reduced its aluminium prices for two days this week by INR 8,000 per tonne in response to the current downtrend of the LME aluminium benchmark price. During June 3-5, the global aluminium price on the London Metal Exchange contracted by US$48 per tonne or 1.83 per cent from US$2,625 per tonne to US$2,577 per tonne. On June 5, the LME aluminium price shed off US$26 per tonne overnight that led Hindalco to cut its aluminium ingot selling price by INR 3,250 per tonne or 1.27 per cent to INR 252,500 per tonne on June 6. On the same day, Hindalco also reduced its aluminium wire rod price and aluminium billets price by INR 3,250 per tonne to INR 269,500 per tonne and INR 266,600 per tonne. Earlier, on June 4, Hindalco’s aluminium ingot price experienced a slash of...
"Our significant focus has been on aerospace aluminium, slabs, and billet casting" Ravi Tilak, President and CEO Almex USA Inc.
AL Circle: What role does Almex play in the aluminium industry? Ravi Tilak: We provide equipment and technology and complete solutions for making aerospace aluminium balloons. Our significant focus has been on aerospace aluminium, slabs, and billet casting. But it's not just related to casting. We provide furnace-to-finish solutions, including metallurgical process know-how and training for a plant to completely absorb the essentials of qualifying their product for aerospace applications. Now, that is far more difficult than other alloys. The aerospace alloys are far more complex, and the quality requirements are very stringent; a plant becomes qualified once it is entirely on board with AS9100 and aerospace major qualifications. So, we hold our customers' hands up to complete their...
Q1 2024: United States alumina imports decline by volume at 21.45%, reflecting ailing demand
The United States alumina imports in the first quarter of 2024 ended March 31, edged down 12.69 per cent annually and saw a more intense decline of 21.45 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis. The downfall in alumina imports indicates reduced demand for primary aluminium production in the United States. What once used to be one of the world's largest producers of primary aluminium, accounting for 15 per cent of the global production, now accounts for only 1 per cent. According to the US Geological Survey, the United States imported 282,000 tonnes of alumina during the first quarter of 2024, in comparison with 323,000 tonnes in Q1 2023 and 359,000 tonnes in Q4 2023. However, the downfall occurred in Q1 2024 after uninterrupted hikes in each quarter last year. In Q2 2023, the United States...
World alumina production in April 2024 slumps 4.4% M-o-M due to dwindled output in key producing countries
The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) reports that the world's alumina production in April 2024 experienced a significant decline, both on a monthly and yearly basis. This trend was primarily driven by reduced output in key regions such as China, Africa & Asia (ex-China), Europe (incl. Russia), and Oceania, indicating a potential shift in the global alumina market. According to IAI data, the world's alumina production in April 2024 stood at 11.554 million tonnes, down by 4.41 per cent from 12.087 million tonnes in March 2024 and 0.62 per cent less than 11.626 million tonnes in April 2023. In January and February 2024, the world's alumina output amounted to 11.905 million tonnes and 11.188 million tonnes. However, despite the latest fall for an alternate month, the global output of...
“Anodizing is one of the most environmentally friendly surface treatment processes for aluminium,” Anne Deacon Juhl, Owner, AluConsult
Anne Deacon Juhl is a seasoned expert with over 25 years of dedicated experience in the realm of aluminium and anodizing. With a PhD in pulse anodizing, she is well-versed in both research and practical applications. Anne has served as a consultant for numerous global companies, offering invaluable insights and training to optimize their anodizing processes. Her versatile background includes stints as a quality manager in an anodizing firm and a production supervisor in the aerospace sector. With a passion for precision and a keen eye for detail, Anne has encountered and conquered virtually every challenge imaginable in the world of anodizing, making her a trusted authority in the field. AL Circle: Could you provide a brief overview of anodizing aluminium products and how this process...
North American aluminium industry stepping up towards 2050 net zero goals: Unveiling the complete roadmap
The United States has long been targeting a reduction in carbon footprint across the industrial sectors, including automotive, packaging, energy, and consumer products, by sustainably producing low-carbon aluminium. However, due to limited renewable power generation, the region has primarily resorted to scrap recycling and using recycled metal in aluminium semi-finished and finished products. With the help of advanced technology infrastructure, the United States has also developed new anode technologies to be able to emit direct emissions from the use of carbon anodes during smelting. Recently, environmental consulting firm ICF, in collaboration with the Aluminum Association, has released a report titled Pathways to Decarbonization: A North American Aluminum Roadmap, highlighting all...
US crude and dried bauxite imports improve 8.4% Y-o-Y during Q1 2024 amid persistent sequential decline
According to the latest data revealed by the US Geological Survey, the United States crude and dried bauxite imports in the first quarter of 2024 demonstrated a sequential decline, marking the third consecutive quarter of downfall since the third quarter of 2023. However, on an annual basis, the import volume in Q1 recorded an increase. The USGS data showed that the United States imports in Q1 stood at 501,000 tonnes, down 8.74 per cent from 549,000 tonnes in Q4 2023 but up 8.44 per cent from 462,000 tonnes a year ago. The quarter-on-quarter decline in United States bauxite imports has been continuing since the third quarter of 2023 when the import volume slumped by 11.05 per cent from 733,000 tonnes to 652,000 tonnes. Subsequently, the imports further fell in Q4 2023 by 15.8 per cent to...
Africa’s primary aluminium production shows a bearish trend in April 2024, marking a Y-o-Y fall of 5.4%
Africa’s primary aluminium production in April 2024 reflected a bearish trend compared to the previous month as well as year, found the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). The month-on-month decline in April 2024 brought Africa’s primary aluminium output close to the production volume in February at 121,000 tonnes. As per the data revealed by IAI, primary aluminium production in Africa during April 2024 was 122,000 tonnes, which reflected a monthly fall of 4,000 tonnes or 3.17 per cent from 126,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year basis, Africa’s aluminium output in April was even lower from 129,000 tonnes, marking a downfall of 7,000 tonnes or 5.43 per cent. The cumulative output of primary aluminium in Africa from January to April 2024 also stood lower than during the corresponding period...
Aluminium stocks at Japanese ports fall 14% Y-o-Y at the end of April 2024
The latest data revealed by Marubeni Corporation, a prominent Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate, indicates a month-on-month and a year-on-year fall in aluminium stocks across the three major Japanese ports at the end of April 2024. There have been increasingly evident supply constraints in Japan, leading to declining stocks at the ports. In addition, strong demand in the domestic market contributed to bearish aluminium stocks. As a result, Japan’s aluminium premiums for the April-June quarter saw an uptick to $145-148 per tonne , compared to $90 per tonne during the January-March quarter. Nonetheless, the port inventories remained above 300,000 tonnes at the end of April, totalling 308,100 tonnes. However, on a month-on-month basis, the stocks stood 2.3 per...
BMW unveils new-generation aluminium bionic robot grippers: A perfect choice to handle CFRP roofs
Harnessing over 30 years of experience, the German multinational manufacturer of Luxury vehicles, BMW Group, is a pioneer in additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. According to reports, BMW Group Plant Landshut has launched a new generation bionic robot gripper crafted through an innovative process utilising a sand casting mould filled with liquid aluminium. About the new bionic gripper These new aluminium robotic-grippers are 25 per cent lighter than its predecessor, allowing the entire CFRP roof (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) manufacturing process for the BMW M3 to be completed with just one robot instead of three. Currently, double grippers, individually manufactured through 3D printing within the BMW Group, are used for all CFRP roofs at the BMW Group Plant...
NALCO lifts its aluminium prices by INR 10,000 per tonne with effect from May 23
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has revised its aluminium ingot and product prices, with effect from Thursday, May 23. Compared to May 1, the company’s aluminium prices have been expanded significantly by about 4 per cent, in tandem with a gradual increase in aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange. At the end of May 22, the LME aluminium benchmark price stood at US$2,625 per tonne, up by US$80 per tonne or 3.1 per cent from US$2,545 per tonne on April 30. NALCO increased its aluminium ingot selling price by INR 10,000 per tonne, with effect from May 23, to INR 255,450-258,950 per tonne, compared to INR 245,450-248,950 per tonne from May 1 to May 22. India’s Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines also boosted its aluminium prices by INR 10,000 per tonne from its...
Cameroon’s annual revenue from aluminium sheet exports grows 80%, strengthening Central’s Africa’s fiscal position
According to official figures released by the National Institute of Statistics, Cameroon in Africa exported 3,011 tonnes of aluminium sheets in 2023 and collected CFA6.6 billion. On a year-on-year calculation, the export volume from Cameroon surged by 90.8 per cent from 1,578 tonnes, resulting in an increase in revenues by 80.2 per cent annually from CFA3.6 billion. This jump in exports and revenues is expected to rejuvenate the aluminium industry in Central Africa and likely to strengthen the financial position of the Cameroon Aluminium Company (Alucam), the primary producer and exporter of aluminium sheets in Cameroon. The company produces flat sheets, corrugated sheets, and trays sheets. Alucam has been facing challenges since 2014 when the Canadian firm Rio Tinto withdrew its...
Aluminium dross: 7 diverse applications beyond metal extraction
The aluminium industry has actively sought strategies and technologies to establish a closed-loop supply chain model. Aluminium smelters worldwide are committing significant efforts to minimise and recycle aluminium dross to fulfil their sustainability and environmental objectives. In the past few years, technological advancements in aluminium dross processing have greatly assisted companies in attaining these objectives. As a result, the proportion of dross sent to the landfill has recently reduced significantly. When aluminium reaches its molten state, oxidation occurs on the surface, forming a dross resembling a “skin-like” layer. This dross is then skimmed off the top surface, leaving behind the pure metal. Dross is predominantly generated in primary aluminium smelters, recycling...
Benefits and usage of the 3003 aluminium plate for power battery shell material
The 3003 aluminium plate, a standout rust-proof material, finds widespread use in diverse applications. Its strength, though not exceptional (marginally higher than industrial pure aluminium), is not amenable to enhancement through heat treatment. Instead, its mechanical properties are elevated through the use of cold working techniques. The 3003 alloy exhibits remarkable plasticity when annealed, good plasticity when semi-cold worked, and low plasticity when cold worked, making it a versatile material. Additionally, it offers excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. It can be used in multiple products like blinds, lamp caps, ultra-wide curtain walls, and power battery casings. Also, aluminium as a metal is increasingly recyclable and is becoming an essential component of the...
Thailand emerges as the second-highest importer of aluminium scrap from US, replacing India
In February 2024, there was a notable shift in the export dynamics of US aluminium scrap, according to the United States Geological Survey. Previously, India held the position of second-highest export destination until January 2024. But subsequently, Thailand emerged as the second top importer of US aluminium scrap, following Malaysia. As per the data revealed by the US Geological Survey, Thailand's aluminium scrap imports from the US exceeded India's by 4,800 tonnes in February 2024. Thailand's aluminium scrap import volume in the said month was 25,700 tonnes, while that of India was 20,900 tonnes. Thailand's imports grew by 6,400 tonnes or 33.16 per cent month-on-month from 19,300 tonnes and increased year-on-year by 7,600 tonnes or 41.99 per cent from 18,100 tonnes. In contrast,...
Jan-Apr 2024: World primary aluminium production grows 4% Y-o-Y due to demand recovery and reduced production costs
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, the world’s primary aluminium production in April 2024 witnessed a month-on-month drop of 3.12 per cent but a year-on-year rise of 3.33 per cent. As per the data revealed, world’s primary aluminum output was 5.9 million tonnes in April 2024, compared to 6.09 million tonnes in March 2024 and 5.71 million tonnes in April 2023. The year-on-year increase in production during April 2024 was primarily driven by demand recovery in manufacturing sectors, like automobile, packaging, and solar power, reduced production costs, and higher profit margin due to bullish aluminium benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange. World’s daily average output of primary aluminium also grew 3.3 per cent year-on-year in April 2024 to stand at 196,600...
