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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Industrial profit slide in March raises questions about China's economic recovery pace
According to official data released on April 27, 2024, industrial profits in China fell short in March and showed reduced growth for the quarter compared to the preceding two months. This raises concerns about the robustness of the recovery in the world's second-largest economy. In the first quarter, China's industrial firms saw a 4.3 per cent increase in cumulative profits, reaching RMB 1.5 trillion ($207.0 billion), as per data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This growth rate is slower compared to the 10.2 per cent rise observed in the initial two months of the year. In March, profits experienced a 3.5 per cent decline compared to the previous year. While the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) didn't provide a breakdown of monthly figures for January and February, they...
NALCO’s aluminium ingot price sees a cut of INR5200/t with effect from April 26
In tandem with the LME aluminium price drop from where it began this week, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has reduced its aluminium ingot and aluminium products prices, with effect from Friday, April 26. NALCO has cut its aluminium ingot and aluminium product prices by INR 5,200 per tonne from April 20. Thus, the company’s aluminium ingot price has derived at INR 252,150-255,650 per tonne as of April 26. Currently, NALCO’s aluminium wire rod and aluminium billet prices span a range of INR 261,150- 265,500 per tonne and INR 256,600-259,250 per tonne, respectively. Following a continuous growth from April 17 to April 22, reaching US$2,654 per tonne, the LME aluminium benchmark price trended down to stand at US$ 2,586.50 per tonne in the subsequent week. Hindalco and Vedanta’s...
Alumtek Minerals unveils technology to extract critical raw materials from bauxite residue
Alumtek Minerals (AM), an Australian-based company, has recently concluded extensive research and development focused on bauxite residue waste, also known as red mud. This endeavour has led to the creation of cutting-edge technology capable of extracting critical raw materials from this waste. AM has successfully developed a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) that meets the rigorous Australian Standard AS3582.4 through a collaborative effort with Cement Australia. This innovative material holds great promise in significantly reducing CO 2 emissions within the cement industry. Alumtek Minerals specialises in processing mining tailings, particularly bauxite residue . Leveraging proprietary technical methods, it is advancing commercialisation efforts to extract rare earth elements and...
A detailed analogy of the global primary aluminium sector amid geopolitical turbulence; Sustainable initiatives on the rise
From the tranquil fjords of Norway to the bustling markets of China, each region's aluminium giants have navigated through turbulent waters, propelled by innovation and strategic acumen. Let's find out how the industry giants are dealing with the sudden geopolitical changes resulting in global commodity trade disruptions. Also, in this article, we will revise all the noble initiatives taken by respective organisations to reduce operational emissions. Europe: Norsk Hydro's resolve amid fiscal headwinds In the heart of Scandinavia, Norsk Hydro stands as a beacon of stability amidst fiscal challenges. Despite a dip in Q1 2024 revenue, attributed to fluctuating aluminium prices and extrusion sales volumes, Hydro remains undeterred. Bolstered by increased EBITDA from renewable energy ventures...
Sluggish demand for European aluminium foil sparks double-digit fall in 2023 shipments
European aluminium foil demand experienced a slower trend through 2023 than in 2022, resulting in a double-digit fall in the year's final quarter, according to the figures just released by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). The entire 2023 reflected a unique circumstance of high stock levels and weak demand for aluminium as high prices and interest rates forced end-consumers to limit their metal purchase. It directly affected foil in packaging and household goods in particular. According to EAFA survey, sluggish demand for European foil led to a 14.6 per cent year-on-year decline in shipments from 973,000 tonnes in 2022 to 831,700 tonnes in 2023. Thinner gauges, primarily used for flexible packaging and household foils, were neither left untouched by the sluggish market and...
LME clamps down on traders profiting from Russian aluminium amid sanction compliance
On April 24, 2024, the London Metal Exchange (LME) took action to prevent traders from exploiting rule changes by prohibiting taking Russian aluminium from its approved warehouses and returning it for profit. Earlier this month, the US and Britain prohibited the London Metal Exchange (LME) from accepting new Russian production of aluminium , copper, and nickel. The move is intended to decelerate Moscow's financial situation concerning the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis. The London Metal Exchange has implemented a prohibition on Russian aluminium , copper, and nickel generated after April 13 in adherence to sanctions imposed. LME regulations prior to April 13 distinguished between two types of Russian warrants, Type 1, and Type 2. This allowed for profitable "rent deals" by enabling...
World’s primary aluminium production in Q1 2024 maintains Y-o-Y momentum amid sequential drop
In the first quarter of 2024, the world’s primary aluminium production manifested an annual growth trajectory while it shied away from growing on a quarterly basis. The global primary aluminium output in Q1 2024 ended March 31 reflected a 4.11 per cent hike Y-o-Y but exhibited a 1.24 per cent drop Q-o-Q. But the monthly production in March, standing at 6.073 million tonnes, increased month-on-month as well as year-on-year by 7.15 per cent and 3.55 per cent, respectively. Global production in the first quarter of 2024 stood at 17.802 million tonnes, compared to 18.025 million tonnes in Q4 2023 and 17.099 million tonnes in Q1 2023. The world’s daily average production of primary aluminium in March 2024 was 195,900 tonnes, up by 500 tonnes from 194,400 tonnes a month ago and skyrocketed by...
Revving up or slowing down? Public response key as electric vehicle subsidies evolve
Government policies and subsidies have been instrumental in fostering the growth of the electric vehicle market. However, as these incentives are phased out and policies evolve, the public will increasingly shape the future market adoption trajectory. As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common on roads, the number of charging points is also rising. This trend is expected to continue as nations strive to reduce emissions in alignment with net-zero goals and internationally agreed temperature targets. The United States recently introduced more stringent national pollution standards for passenger cars and light-medium vehicles. These standards mandate a 56 per cent reduction in tailpipe pollution and vehicle carbon emissions by 2032, based on 2026 levels. While this doesn't...
Tax relief for scrapped cars: Will Estonia's new law ease burden on owners?
Around 200,000 vehicles in the Estonian traffic register have destroyed, lost, or suspended registrations. Starting in 2025, owners of these vehicles may be required to pay motor vehicle tax. However, the Ministry of Climate has proposed a bill to exempt individuals who have vehicles with unknown whereabouts registered in their name, as well as those whose cars lack necessary documentation for scrappage, from paying this tax. Estonia is a country in Northern Europe that borders the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland. The World Bank designates Estonia as an advanced, high-income market economy noted for balanced government budgets, a flat income tax, low tariffs, and low public debt. In the future, scrap metal owners will have the opportunity to bring their undocumented, old, and unusable...
Global cabling solutions provider Prysmian strikes deal to acquire Encore Wire
On April 15, 2024, the multinational company with headquarters in Milan, specialising in producing electrical cable Prysmian, announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which it will acquire Encore Wire for $290.00 per share in cash. The Transaction represents a premium of approximately 20 per cent to the 30-day volume weighted average share price (VWAP) as of Friday, April 12, 2024, and approximately 29 per cent to the 90-day VWAP as of the same date. At the transaction terms, Encore Wire’s implied Enterprise Value is approximately €3.9 billion, representing a multiple of 8.2x EV/2023A EBITDA and 6.3x EV/2023A EBITDA, including run-rate synergies. Encore Wire is a premier manufacturer offering a wide array of copper and aluminium electrical wires and cables...
“Every restriction on the purchase of RUSAL's low-carbon products drives our industry towards higher prices, threatening jobs and punishing families struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living,” Chairman of the En+ Board of Directors
Christopher Bancroft Burnham, formerly the Company’s Senior Independent Director and former Undersecretary General of the United Nations, was appointed Chairman of the En+ Board of Directors in March 2022. Burnham is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Global Capital, LLC, headquartered in Washington, D.C. He co-founded Cambridge after a distinguished government, diplomacy, banking, and private equity career. Burnham is a globally recognised expert in the implementation of accountability and transparency and the implementation of best practices in government, corporations, and inter-governmental organisations, having served as Under Secretary General for Management of the United Nations, Under Secretary of State for Management (acting), and Assistant Secretary of State...
“At Rio Tinto, we often say climate change is too big of a problem to go at it alone” Amy Abraham, Vice President Sales Aluminium
Amy Abraham is Vice President of Aluminium Sales at Rio Tinto. She is accountable for global sales and account management, book management, trading activities, and sales and operations planning for Rio Tinto’s aluminium business, which includes bauxite, alumina, and aluminium. Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Amy worked with World Fuel Services as the senior vice president of strategy and chief marketing officer. Reporting to the Chief Executive, Amy was accountable for leading and influencing global, enterprise-wide transformational change across a team of 1500+ market-facing sales and marketing professionals and delivering material, sustainable and profitable growth. She also had a long career at BP, where she worked in senior leadership roles across the US and UK, including Chief of Staff...
“REEL ALESA's good track record within the aluminium smelter industry for providing innovative solutions to implementing upgrades will be to the smelter's advantage,” Bruce Roger Wilson, DIRECTOR – Aluminium Division
Bruce is a successful engineering professional with over 25 years of experience in the primary aluminium industry—a graduate in mechanical engineering and business administration with certification in project management. I have strong business acumen that has developed while working for world-class companies. He has excellent leadership qualities with an ability to mentor and motivate individuals, creating high-performance teams. A strong track record in the successful execution of multi-disciplined projects with high standards in technical, contractual, and managerial roles in green-field and brown-field primary aluminium smelter projects. Bruce currently leads an energetic, innovative, and dynamic team as the Director of the Aluminium Division for REEL INTERNATIONAL. AL Circle: Can you...
China Hongqiao's Shandong arm, leading the charge towards green aluminium production
The world's largest aluminium producer, China Hongqiao Group's subsidiary Shandong Hongqiao, has forged ahead with a strong dedication to innovation and industrial progress, solidifying its presence as a leading force in the aluminium production and deep processing sectors. The company prioritises innovation and environmental sustainability through its integrated industrial chain, cementing its pivotal role in driving contemporary industrial standards forward. Shandong Hongqiao places great importance on green development, focusing on technological advancements and promoting energy efficiency and resource recycling across its operations. Prioritising environmental sustainability, the company strives to establish a low-carbon production system to minimise its environmental footprint....
Iran’s aluminium ingot output sees modest 1% Y-o-Y growth in FY2024 amid escalating energy restrictions
According to data revealed by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), Iran’s aluminium ingot production grew by 2,834 tonnes, or 1 per cent, on an annual basis over the financial year ended March 19, 2024 (Iran’s calendar year 1402). As per the data, Iran produced 635,000 tonnes of aluminium ingot in FY2024 compared to 632,166 tonnes in FY2023. In the preceding year, Iran’s aluminium ingot production recorded an increase of 17.36 per cent Y-o-Y. In the past eleven months, Iran’s major aluminium producers, including South Aluminum Corporation (SALCO), Iranian Aluminum Company (IRALCO), Almahdi Aluminum Company, and Iran Alumina Company, collectively produced 582,200 tonnes of aluminium ingot. Hence, it can be calculated that these four...
“As far as I know, more and more Chinese aluminium smelters are transferring to Indonesia,” Kathy Yuan, Head of Overseas Marketing Department at HWAPENG
Kathy Yuan heads the Overseas Marketing Department at Hwapeng, a prominent manufacturer specialising in specialised equipment for carbon plants. The organisation's product range encompasses anodes, cathodes, graphite electrodes, graphite specialities, carbon electrode paste, ramming paste, crucibles, carbon blocks, and other related carbon or graphite products. AL Circle: Could you briefly overview HWAPENG and its journey in the carbon production machinery industry since its establishment in 1994? What sets HWAPENG apart from other manufacturers in the field of Carbon Paste Preparing & Forming Machines? Kathy Yuan: When it was founded in 1994, Hwapeng's former name was Hwafeng. At that time, it specialised in petroleum equipment for SINOPEC. Along with the economic development in China,...
“EGA has strength from mine to metal and a strong balance sheet to pursue growth,” Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO at Emirates Global Aluminium
Upon his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2020, Mr Bin Kalban has served as an Alternate Board Member since May 2017. He also sits on the Board of Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), EGA's bauxite mining subsidiary. As CEO, Mr Bin Kalban is responsible for managing EGA's ongoing operations and business and reports to the Managing Director. Mr Bin Kalban joined DUBAL in 1996 and worked in both Major Projects and the Power and Desalination Department. (DUBAL merged with EMAL to form EGA in 2014). In 2014, Mr Kalban left his position as General Manager of Power and Desalination at EGA to become CEO of Dubal Holding LLC, EGA's 50 per cent shareholder. Mr Bin Kalban is a Board Member of the International Aluminium Institute, the Gulf Aluminium Council, and the Emirates Research and...
“I believe electric vehicles will drive the aluminium market. The other important point is about the recycling of aluminium. Aluminium recycling will increase in 2024 and continue to grow in the following years,” Dr.Emrah Fahri Ozdogru, Co-owner and General Manager of TRI Metalurji A.Ş
Dr. Emrah Fahri Ozdogru is Co-owner and General Manager of TRI METALURJI. He is a metallurgist with a PhD degree. He has 25 years of experience in the aluminium industry as a researcher, engineer, and manager at casthouses, extrusion factories, and rolling companies. He established TRI Metalurji A.Ş in 2016, and now has seven engineers and one technician working for the firm. He is also co-owner of LIME Billet Cast house with 8 team members. TRI is an engineering company and works based on the project with the following frames: training, technical consultancy, alloy development, material characterisation lab-scale and pilot-scale aluminium casting. TRI is working with 5%0 domestic market needs and 50% with the other countries, mainly from Europe. AL Circle: Can you provide an overview of...
