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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Norway charges ahead, BEVs set to surpass petrol cars in historic milestone
Norway is poised to achieve a historic milestone as the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on its roads is projected to surpass petrol cars by the end of 2024 or early 2025, marking a significant achievement for any nation, as per Reuters analysts. Generous incentives, partly fuelled by Norway's significant oil and gas wealth, have propelled this shift. However, analysts anticipate that it will be a few more years before Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) outnumber diesel vehicles in Norway. Norway, a contemporary nation abundant in energy resources, boasts a population of 5.5 million. It is one of the world's most prosperous countries, boasting a GDP per capita of USD 106,148. With income distribution relatively fair, everyone contributes to the consumer base. Forecasts suggest...
"Rolled aluminium remains a highly dynamic material with potential for expansion across various markets," Peter De Bruyne, Global Business Director, Non-Ferrous at Quaker Houghton.
Peter De Bruyne, Global Business Director, Non-Ferrous at Quaker Houghton, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his career spanning three decades in the aluminium industry. Having started as a laboratory manager in a rolling mill, he applied this hands-on experience as a technical support manager before transitioning to commercial roles. Today, Peter helps shape the future of aluminium hot rolling, determining the strategic direction of Quaker Houghton, a global leader in industrial process fluids. AL Circle: As a Global Business Director for one of the world's largest industrial process fluid companies, how do you perceive the current global landscape for aluminium rolling? Peter De Bruyne: Rolled aluminium remains a highly dynamic material with potential for expansion across...
US imports of crude metals and alloys from GCC is 6% of its primary aluminium production; IAI data suggests market stability
According to data presented by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the total aluminium production in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for February 2024 decreased by 37,000 tonnes, or 6.95 per cent month over month, from 532,000 tonnes recorded in January 2024. This can be mainly attributed to the lesser number of days in February. However, if we consider December 2023, when the production was 530,000 tonnes, we can see a Month-on-Month spike of 2,000 tonnes or 0.38 per cent, suggesting profound stability in the market. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) records also suggest an uptick in US imports for consumption from the GCC. In December 2023, Bahrain exported 3,080 tonnes of crude metals and alloys to the US; Qatar contributed almost 6,890 tonnes, and the United Arab...
“Otto Junker outperforms other companies in the field of furnaces for aluminium by two significant technologies: High-convection heating technology and induction heating technology,” Klaus Schmitz, Dipl.-Ing, Vice President Sales, Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium- and Copper at Otto Junker
Klaus Schmitz started working with Otto Junker in 1996 as a Project engineer for the Thermoprocessing of Plants. Subsequently, he was promoted to Project Manager, Leader of Product Group, and Division Manager of Thermoprocessing plants for Copper alloys. Since 2017, he is serving the German company as Vice President Sales, Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium and Copper. Born in 1968, Klaus Schmitz completed his master's degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University. AL Circle: Can you briefly overview Otto Junker's history and contributions to heat treatment in the aluminium industry? Mr Klaus Schmitz, Dipl.-Ing: Mr Otto Junker founded our company exactly 100 years ago, in 1924. The foundation was mainly based on a patented casting mould for brass, which was invented by...
Vedanta continues to increase its aluminium selling prices since the beginning of April; prices mark a 6% surge
Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Limited, an Indian multinational mining company headquartered in Mumbai, published a fresh list of its aluminium selling prices, including aluminium billet and wire rod. Compared to the prices of the previous week, April 5, Vedanta’s aluminium prices rose by INR 1,750 per tonne or 0.7 percent on April 9, in line with the LME aluminium price change. Like other Indian aluminium giants, Vedanta Limited links its aluminium prices to the global benchmark price of aluminium on the London Metal Exchange. On April 9, Vedanta’s aluminium ingot price ranged between INR 234,000-254,000 per tonne versus INR 232,250-252,250 per tonne on April 5. Vedanta’s billet price came in at INR 244,500 per tonne on the same day compared to INR 242,750 per tonne last week. The latest...
“The aluminium industry, and indeed the global economy, has had a turbulent few years, which have continued to this present day”, Michael Rockstroh, Managing Director at RiA Cast House Engineering GmbH and Fioscope GmbH
Michael Rockstroh is a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set spanning project management, equipment design, engineering services, and business development. Specialising in cast house machinery for the aluminium industry, Michael excels in designing and implementing innovative solutions, particularly in furnace charging and skimming machines. His expertise extends to cast house processes and furnace operations, and he is proficient in furnace design, manufacturing, and installation/commissioning. With a proven track record of success, Michael brings knowledge and experience to every project he undertakes. AL Circle: Before we discuss RiA in more detail, how do you envision the global aluminium industry in 2024? Could you offer insights into its long-term outlook beyond 2024?...
North America’s alumina production dampens 14.2% Y-o-Y in Feb’24 while South America witnesses 4.17% growth
According to the International Aluminium Institute, alumina production in North and South America dropped considerably in February 2024. On a Month-on-Month scale, the alumina production in North America has dwindled by 15.5 per cent or 31,000 tonnes from 200,000 tonnes in January 2024 to 169,000 tonnes in February. Similarly, in South America, there has been a Month-on-Month fall of 40,000 tonnes or 3.94 per cent, from 1.015 million tonnes registered in January this year to 975,000 tonnes in February. Year-on-Year comparison If we consider the alumina production rate during February 2023, we can witness a Year-on-Year slump of 14.2 per cent or 28,000 tonnes in North America from 197,000 tonnes. But on the other hand, in South America there can be seen a Year-on-Year influx of 39,000...
“Driving forward grain refinement with efficiency at the heart,” John Courtenay, chairman of MQP
Studying metallurgy at the University of Aston, BSc (Hons), John started at Foseco International, working his way through ONC, HNC and LIM, before being seconded to Foseco Canada for three years to work on an exciting new product for steel continuous casting plants, going onto hold a number of international marketing and technical positions before joining Foseco Japan as general manager of their steel mills division, returning to Foseco International in 1983. In 1986, he switched from steel to aluminium, starting a long association with aluminium casthouse technology as Director of Technology and Marketing of Foseco Aluminium. After selling this business to Pyrotek, he used his experience to form MQP Limited, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020. AL Circle: How do you foresee the...
US aluminium scrap exports in Jan’24 show a slight recovery M-o-M but strike an annual downtrend of 3%
According to the US Census Bureau survey, the United States aluminium scrap exports initiated the year 2024 with an annual decline of 5,000 tonnes or 3.13 per cent, reaching 155,000 tonnes. In January 2023, the United States aluminium scrap exports amounted to 160,000 tonnes. The year-on-year drop in aluminium scrap exports could be attributed to the lower volume of scrap recovery. In January 2024, the United States recovered 275,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap – 3,000 tonnes less than 278,000 tonnes in January 2023. However, the scrap recovery increased month-on-month in January 2024 by 13,000 tonnes or 4.96 per cent from 262,000 tonnes. Thus, the exports also rose, albeit at a lower rate than scrap recovery growth, from 152,000 tonnes. The United States aluminium scrap exports rose...
Bauxite Titans of 2023: Unveiling the top bauxite producing countries
In 2023, the global bauxite industry experienced substantial changes, marked by shifts in production, trade dynamics, and pricing patterns. Australia, Guinea, and China emerged as key players shaping the worldwide bauxite market landscape. In 2023, global bauxite production was estimated to show a positive growth rate of 5.26 per cent, a significant rebound from the (-) 1.04 per cent decline witnessed in 2022 compared to the previous year. As per AL Circle’s “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024” report , the estimated total global bauxite production for 2023 is expected to cross 400 million tonnes. This increase is mainly attributed to the heightened production levels in key bauxite-producing countries such as Australia, Guinea, and others. Australia is anticipated to hold its position...
“There will be no green transition without aluminium and aluminium solutions. But for this development to be sustainable, we need to produce with as low a carbon footprint as possible,” Paul Warton, EVP Hydro Extrusions.
Paul Warton (born in 1961, a British citizen) is Executive Vice President and Head of Hydro Extrusions, a position he has held since 2021. Prior to that, Warton was President of Extrusions & Automotive Structures, Constellium (2010-2020). He has 30 years of experience in the global aluminium and extrusion industry, with leadership positions at Sapa, Alcoa, and Luxfer Group, as well as 10 years of experience in production and commercial management at Federal-Mogul and GKN. Paul Warton is a member (Treasurer) of the Executive Committee of European Aluminium. Warton has an MBA from London Business School and a BSc degree in Production Engineering from the University of Birmingham. AL Circle: Please provide your valuable insights into the current trends shaping the global aluminium extrusion...
“The aluminium industry in 2024 is expected to be shaped by decarbonisation efforts, with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region being significant players in the global market”, Dr Matthias Irle, Executive Vice President - Business Unit Metals at EMG Automation GmbH.
Dr Matthias Irle is a highly accomplished Electrical Engineer specialising in Automation Engineering. He holds a Dipl. Ing. Elektrotechnik from Universität-Gesamthochschule Siegen, Germany, and a Doctorate in Engineering. With over two decades at EMG Automation GmbH, he has held key positions including Head of Quality Assurance Systems and Technical Director. Since January 2021, he has served as Executive Vice President, leading the Business Unit Metals, showcasing his dedication, expertise, and leadership in the field. ALCircle: How do you envision the global aluminium industry in 2024? Which manufacturing industry will be the key demand driver for aluminium? Dr Matthias Irle: In general, the aluminium industry in 2024 is expected to be shaped by decarbonisation efforts, with China and...
“Aluminium is a critical material for the transition to a green economy,” Ulf Nahrath, Vice President of Energy Transition & Infrastructure at Shell UK
Ulf Nahrath assumed his position at Shell UK in 2022, spearheading the company's dynamic energy transition initiative. His responsibilities encompass integrating low-carbon assets into the energy landscape, including wind and solar power generation, hydrogen technology, and carbon capture and storage solutions. Ulf's leadership extends to advancing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and facilitating the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. AL Circle: Future decarbonisation solutions for high-energy users like aluminium production and manufacturing have been a major topic of discussion over the past few years. How have technologies evolved during this time? Ulf Nahrath: As companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate their progress towards reaching net-zero goals,...
“Over the past years, primary metal smelters in Canada have incrementally moved towards digitalisation, focusing on automation and robotisation,” Jean Simard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aluminium Association of Canada
As President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada since 2009, Jean Simard is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments, business associations and the media, as well as with international organisations linked to the industry. He holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Barreau du Québec. He possesses extensive professional experience in public and government relations, mainly in sustainable development, energy, and environmental affairs. Prior to joining the AAC, he was Vice-President of Sustainable Development, Public and Governmental Affairs at Gaz Métro, a Quebec-based energy company. AL Circle: How do you foresee the growth of the aluminium industry in Canada? Which end-user sector do you think will drive...
The announcement of Mytilineos as GIADEC’s strategic partner for Project 3A will be the turning point for the country’s aluminium industry - Mr. Michael Ansah CEO, Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC)
In 2018, Michael Ansah was appointed by the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to lead the development of an Integrated Aluminium Industry in Ghana. GIADEC is harnessing Ghana’s 900 million tonnes bauxite reserves, its ownership of Valco, as well as its minority stake in Ghana Bauxite Company Ltd., to build and establish a fully Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), leveraging the full value chain of bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminium smelting, and giving credence to the President’s vision of a “Ghana Beyond Aid”. He holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, UK. Prior to his appointment as CEO of GIADEC, Michael was Senior Vice President (SVP) at Dell Technologies, with responsibilities for Global operations across over 180 countries. In a...
North and South America’s primary aluminium production marks Y-o-Y spike of approx. 8% each; Canada accounts for 80% of the annual production
According to the data released by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the total primary aluminium production in North and South America combined was 438,000 tonnes in February 2024, of which South America accounted for only 27.40 per cent. In contrast, North America produced the lion's share of 72.6 per cent. Aluminium demand, driven by individual sectors (source AAC) If we compare this year's production for January and February with the last quarter of 2023, we can find that only 65.5 per cent, or 904,000 tonnes, was achieved. The total haul for Q4 2023 was 1.38 million tonnes. Month-on-Month comparison On a month-on-month scale, North America's primary aluminium production has dipped 21,000 tonnes, or 6.19 per cent, from 339,000 tonnes in January 2024 to 318,000 tonnes in...
US domestic primary aluminium production begins 2024 with an annual drop on account of reduced capacity
The US Census Bureau data showed that the country's domestic primary aluminium production marked a slight slowdown at the beginning of 2024. The year began by continuing the downtrend of 2023 when the US primary aluminium production amounted to 750,000 tonnes compared to 861,000 tonnes in 2022. According to the USGS data, in January 2024, the United States produced 63,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, reflecting a drop of 1,000 tonnes from the previous month. On an annual basis, the output in January 2024 also saw a decline of 1,000 tonnes. The continuous shutdown and operation cuts of aluminium smelters in the United States could be attributed to the fall in domestic production. At present, Alcoa's two potlines out of three at Warrick smelter are operative, Century's Hawesville is...
Revival in the automobile sector likely to buoy Japan’s aluminium demand in FY2024
Japan is one of those countries exhibiting a buoyant aluminium market for the fiscal year 2024, driven by potential demand due to the revival in the semiconductor and automobile sectors. According to the estimated data shared by the Aluminum Research Committee, Japan’s demand for aluminium products will most likely reach 3.85 million tonnes in FY 2024, marking an increase for the first time in three years. Only the demand for rolled aluminium products is projected to fall short of the 4 million tonnes target, remaining at 1.73 million tonnes through FY2024. The Committee, comprising seven industry organizations, estimates that Japan’s aluminium product demand will grow 2.1 per cent compared to the previous year, buoyed by projected automobile sales to grow by 3.7 per cent. Domestic demand...
