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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Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) robust daily average alumina production in Feb’24 suggests its growth trajectory
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) during February 2024 recorded a significant annual growth of 13.8 per cent but a month-on-month fall of 3.06 per cent. As per the data, Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production in February 2024 was 1.171 million tonnes versus 1.029 million tonnes a year ago, indicating that alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) is on a steady growth path. The output declined month-on-month from 1.208 million tonnes mainly because of fewer calendar days in February. Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) daily average alumina output in February 2024 further underpins the above statement as the volume stood at 40,400 tonnes, up by 3.59 per cent from 39,000 tonnes in January 2024. On a year-on-year...
Hindalco Industries’ aluminium prices experience a slash of INR3500/t on March 28
Hindalco Industries Limited has updated its aluminium selling prices on two consecutive days this week in line with the LME aluminium benchmark price. On Wednesday, March 27, Hindalco increased its aluminium prices as the LME aluminium price rallied by 1.29 per cent over the two days to US$2,275.50 per tonne as of March 26. According to Hindalco’s price list for March 27, the company’s aluminium ingot price stood at INR 219,750 per tonne, experiencing an increase of INR 1,500 per tonne or 0.70 per cent from INR 218,250 per tonne on March 22. Hindalco’s aluminium wire rod and billet prices also saw a rise of INR 1,500 per tonne on the same day to come in at INR 231,750 per tonne and INR 233,850 per tonne, respectively, versus INR 230,250 per tonne and INR 232,350 per tonne on March 22. The...
European aluminium supply chain at risk! While domestic producers unwilling to resume operations on weak demand, bans are about to resist foreign goods
The European aluminium sector has just started adapting to the energy price shrunk due to adequate inventories and ease of power consumption restrictions. According to a report, inflation-adjusted futures prices for 2024 averaged 48 euros per megawatt hour, compared to 223 euros at the height of the crisis in August 2022. But what is still causing hurdles to the market growth is passive demand and understated buying and selling sentiments, given the ongoing inflation and economic slowdown. As a result, aluminium producers are hesitant to resume their curtailed capacity, which is evident from the lacklustre growth of primary aluminium production. In addition, various other factors are perhaps threatening the growth of the European aluminium market. Vivid view to Europe’s primary aluminium...
World alumina production in Feb’24 marks a notable annual growth despite short-term fluctuations, advocating strong fundamentals
According to the International Aluminium Institute, world alumina production in February 2024 recorded a fall of 6.89 per cent month-on-month, primarily attributed to fewer calendar days. In this respect, it should be mentioned that the world alumina output started the year with a downtrend, with January production at 11.905 million tonnes, down by 1.43 per cent from 12.078 million tonnes in December 2023. Output trend The deflation continued in the subsequent month (February 2024), bringing the world's alumina production to 11.085 million tonnes. However, compared with the same period last year, the world's alumina production in February 2024 stood 5.99 per cent higher than 10.459 million tonnes. The combined production from January to February 2024 also edged a year-on-year hike of 4.22...
2023: North America market upheaving the demand for US aluminium plates, sheets and bars, with exports growing 5.57% Y-o-Y
According to the US Census Bureau data, the United States’ aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports in 2023 experienced an annual growth of 5.57 per cent, primarily driven by Canada and Mexico, the two highest importers. As per the USGS survey, the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports in 2023 totalled 770,000 tonnes compared to 736,000 tonnes in 2022. Canada accounted for 44.42 per cent of the United States total exports, while Mexico accounted for 38.31 per cent. Despite the annual growth, the exports during the last three months of 2023 saw a sequential fall. In October, the exports decreased by 6.78 per cent M-o-M from 66,400 tonnes to 61,900 tonnes, which further declined in November by 5.33 per cent to 58,600 tonnes and by 6.83 per cent to 54,600 tonnes in...
No slowdown in sight, China's solar sector is projected to grow at unprecedented rate through 2024
The latest data from 2024 indicates that China's solar industry continues its relentless growth, with capacity expansions surging at a rate 80% higher than at the beginning of the previous year. Following an unprecedented 2023 that surpassed all forecasts, expectations for 2024 have been tempered. While many anticipated continued growths, the magnitude of the increase may have yet to be fully expected, suggesting a potential adjustment in projections. Contrary to previous forecasts, the January and February 2024 data reveals a notable surge in solar installations, nearly doubling the rate compared to the corresponding period last year. The data for these two months is combined to ensure accuracy and mitigate the impact of the Lunar New Year holiday, which occurred in the month of...
China holds key to green economy growth, advocates for enhanced emissions trading system: IMF Chief
On March 24, 2024, Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), suggested that China could experience significantly accelerated growth by implementing a comprehensive set of pro-market reforms compared to maintaining the current status quo. In an address to the China Development Forum, Georgiaeva emphasised the importance of improving the property sector, reducing debt risks, and concentrating on domestic consumption. She said, “This additional growth would amount to a 20 per cent expansion of the real economy over the next 15 years. In today’s terms, that is like adding $3.5 trillion to the Chinese economy.” She suggested that taking decisive measures to decrease the inventory of incomplete housing and allowing more room for market-driven...
Vedanta charts course for growth across sectors, unveils $6 billion investment plan
The Indian multinational mining and metal company Vedanta Ltd, spearheaded by billionaire Anil Agarwal, has unveiled an ambitious investment strategy, earmarking a colossal $6 billion across diverse business sectors. This strategic initiative is poised to augment the company's annual EBITDA by a minimum of $2.5 billion, propelling it towards significant expansion and enhanced value generation in the foreseeable future. Pipeline of investment opportunities During an investor meeting, Vedanta executives revealed an extensive investment pipeline consisting of more than 50 active projects and expansions spanning various sectors such as aluminium, zinc, iron ore, steel, and oil and gas. These endeavours are forecasted to yield additional revenue surpassing $6 billion, boosting the company's...
Global law firm White & Case advises Emirates Global Aluminium on the strategic acquisition of Leichtmetall
White & Case, a leading global law firm, provided legal counsel to Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a premium aluminium producer, in its acquisition of Leichtmetall Aluminium Gießerei Hannover GmbH (Leichtmetall), a German aluminium recycling company. EGA is set to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Leichtmetall from Leichtmetall Holding GmbH, an entity under the management of Quantum Capital Partners GmbH, an investment fund. Pending regulatory clearances, the transaction is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2024. Located in Hanover, Leichtmetall specialises in producing high-quality aluminium , predominantly sourced from recycled materials. Employing electric smelting technology, the company melts secondary aluminium using energy derived entirely from renewable sources....
Nyinahin-Mpasaaso Chiefs welcome Mytilineos and GIADEC for their upcoming project 3A
The Chiefs and residents of Nyinahin-Mpasaaso recently convened for a vibrant durbar, extending a warm welcome to the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and Mytilineos S.A. into their community. This gathering marked the official announcement of Mytilineos as the strategic partner for developing select portions of Nyinahin's bauxite resources and constructing a refinery known as Project 3A. About Mytilineos S.A Mytilineos S.A, a multinational company specialising in industry and energy and listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, was greeted with great enthusiasm by the people of Nyinahin-Mpasaaso and neighbouring communities. The durbar grounds were excited as senior executives from GIADEC and Mytilineos were welcomed by the community. The Omanhene of the Mpasaso...
Concerns mount as implications of the local Novelis plant closure loom in Buckhannon
The recent announcement of the scheduled shutdown of the Novelis aluminum plant in Buckhannon, Upshur County, has sent shockwaves through the community. Expected to cease operations on June 13, the closure spells uncertainty for 80 employees and raises concerns about the economic impact on the region. Mayor Skinner's efforts to seek answers from state officials reflect the gravity of the situation, as the ripple effects of this closure extend beyond economic concerns. Amidst discussions on consolidation and updates to local centers and departments, the fate of Novelis looms large, highlighting the challenges faced by the aluminum industry in an evolving economic landscape. He reassured: "I have been in contact with some of the plant leadership here and also in Atlanta. I have also been in...
Top 10 cases of scientific advancements: Exploring the versatility of aluminium
Aluminium, ubiquitous in nature and abundant in the Earth's crust, emerges as a cornerstone of modern scientific research and technological innovation. Its versatility knows no bounds, permeating industries from aviation to renewable energy, and now, it stands poised at the forefront of ground-breaking scientific R&D endeavours. Within the intricate tapestry of scientific exploration, aluminium emerges as a resilient thread, weaving together a narrative of sustainability, efficiency, and endless possibilities. Enhancing aluminium nanoparticles for sustainable fuel production In the pursuit of eco-friendly fuel solutions, researchers at Rice University unveil a novel approach harnessing the catalytic prowess of aluminium nanoparticles. Through meticulous modifications of the oxide layer...
February 2024: World primary aluminium production manifests a growing trend, marking an increase for the back-to-back year
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, world primary aluminium production in February 2024 (29 calendar days) amounted to 5.554 million tonnes, experiencing a decline of 8.35 per cent from 6.06 million tonnes in January. However, on a year-on-year basis, the world primary aluminium output in February edged an increase of 4.12 per cent from 5.334 million tonnes. Also, the combined production in January and February stood year-on-year higher by 3.31 per cent, from 11.234 million tonnes to 11.606 million tonnes. Since the last year, world primary aluminium production has shown a steady growth in February. The output in February 2023 encountered a hike of 2.95 per cent from 5.181 million tonnes to 5.334 million tonnes. The average daily primary aluminium production in...
Vedanta revises its aluminium prices twice in three days; finally trims the ingot price by INR1750/t
Vedanta Limited has revised its aluminium prices twice in only three days this week. On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Vedanta increased its aluminium selling prices in line with the LME aluminium price growth on the two previous days, and on March 20, it cut the prices in response to the LME price change. On Tuesday, March 19, Vedanta Limited added INR 1,750 per tonne to its aluminium ingot and product prices in tandem with the LME aluminium price hike by US$19.50 per tonne in two days, during March 15-18. Thus, Vedanta’s aluminium ingot price came in at INR 217,250-223,200 per tonne, and Vedanta’s aluminium billet and wire rod prices stood at INR 224,500 per tonne and INR 224,000-231,500 per tonne, as of Tuesday, March 19. However, soon the next day, Vedanta extracted the same amount of INR...
FY 2023: Canada remains the highest exporter of crude metal and alloys to the US with 8.17% Y-o-Y plunge; Race intensifies for second position
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the annual US import of metals and alloys, crude for consumption in 2023 amounted to 26.4 million tonnes, of which Canada represented only 8.94 per cent or 2.36 million tonnes. On a Year-on-Year basis, Canadian aluminium imports to the US declined 8.17 percent, or 21,000 tonnes, from 2.57 million tonnes recorded during December 2022. Canadian imports to the US – A 2023 analogy Canada has been the largest supplier of crude metals and alloys to the US, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Bahrain, and Argentina, which are constantly fighting for consecutive numerical positions. In September 2023, the US import of metals and alloys, crude from Canada was 2.1 million tonnes, which added 26,000 tonnes or 12.38 per cent on a...
Australia’s biggest aluminium smelter braces itself for a complete clean energy transformation
With a significant wind and solar tender, Tomago Aluminium, Australia's premier smelter, embarks on a riveting journey toward sustainability. As the nation's largest consumer of energy, Tomago's transition to renewables sets a pioneering precedent in the aluminium industry. Tomago Aluminium, renowned for its efficiency, spearheads a monumental shift towards clean energy. With plans to transition to renewable sources by the end of the decade, the smelter aims to secure a long-term, economically viable deal to power its operations sustainably. Economic and environmental impact Boasting unmatched efficiency, Tomago Aluminium supports over 6000 jobs and injects substantial revenue into the economy. By harnessing wind and solar power, the smelter not only reduces its carbon footprint but also...
Azerbaijan's aluminium exports to Japan surge by 29% in 2023
According to the State Statistics Committee, in 2022, Azerbaijan exported 5,102 tonnes of aluminium to Japan for a total value of $12.73 million. However, in 2023, aluminium exports from Azerbaijan to Japan saw a notable increase. The country exported 6,598 tonnes of this non-ferrous metal, amounting to $13.387 million in export value, as per the report. This reflected a 29 per cent growth in exports compared to the previous year. Despite the increase in export volume, the price of raw aluminium fell in 2023 compared to 2022. In 2022, a tonne of aluminium was priced at $2,367, but the price decreased to $2,029 per tonne in the following year. As per AL Circle’s new industry-focus report, “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024,” i n recent years, the aluminium industry’s long-term outlook...
2023: Four months of relentless fall in India’s aluminium scrap imports from the US negates its annual growth
According to the United States Geological Survey's findings, India's aluminium scrap imports from the US decreased over a year in 2023, accounting for 21.94 per cent of the United States total aluminium scrap exports versus 22.95 per cent last year. As per the USGS data, India imported 452,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap from the US in 2023 compared to 459,000 tonnes in 2022, indicating a year-on-year drop of 1.53 per cent. After August 2023, India's aluminium scrap imports from the US fell relentlessly each month. In September, the imports decreased by 5.5 per cent to 42,700 tonnes, which further declined the following month by 17.33 per cent to 35,300 tonnes. In November, the import volume was 30,700 tonnes, down by 13.03 per cent month-on-month, and continued to fall in December by 21.82...
