This week, the aluminium downstream sector has presented a mix of progress and challenges across global markets. In Europe, a rise in foil demand and some exciting new production technologies have surfaced. Meanwhile, the US is grappling with operational hurdles, Asia is experiencing a rollercoaster of market sentiment and South Africa is pushing forward with strategic modernisation efforts. Each region is at a pivotal moment. On top of that, global extrusion forecasts and India’s import-duty issues are adding more layers of complexity to the sector’s short-term outlook. All these developments paint a picture of a week filled with strategic changes, competitive pressures and shifting market signals, setting the stage for what could be a crucial time for aluminium’s value-added segments around the globe.
Weekly Recap: Aluminium Downstream Products by AL Circle Pvt Ltd
{alcircleadd}Regional reaction in this week’s concerning the aluminium downstream products
Europe
In 2025, the European aluminium foil makers will be in high gear, with orders in the first quarter being strong. Let’s have a look at some numbers. Between April and June, producers shipped 236,500 tonnes, up 4.2 per cent from the same period the previous year, according to the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). Deliveries reached 480,300 tonnes by the end of the first half, representing a 7.7 per cent rise from the first six months of 2024. European buyers took more than 6 per cent extra volume in H1, while shipments to markets outside the region jumped nearly 20 per cent. The scale of demand is clear from the consumption numbers: 1 million tonnes used in 2024, an estimated 1.05 million tonnes in 2025. Unveil more about the export value and what is slowing the market from here.
A transformative technology has emerged at the heart of Europe’s aluminium hot rolling, giving a new vision to the different stages of aluminium production. ABB, a global technology company that specialises in electrification and automation, has come up with an upgraded version of its Millmate Thickness Gauge (MTG) technology. This upgraded technology supports providing precise aluminium thickness measurement at the final stage of the hot rolling processes. With multiple new features, this technology protects against various conditions, shields interior sensor components and optimises internal air flow. Uncover how this technology is a game-changer for your business here.
US
For the second time, a fire broke out in Novelis’ aluminium plant in Oswego, raising concerns for the facility, which has been on the road to recovery from the previous damages it had faced a month ago. However, this time, the disaster is deemed to be under control by the emergency crews who were called out on Thursday morning. But still, the firefighters had to spend hours before bringing the blaze under control. It has been confirmed by the firm that all the people inside the plant were safely evacuated without any injury.
Asia
Concerning the share price movement this week, the focus is on Golkonda Aluminium Extrusions Limited, which is significantly high because the firm experienced difficult trading days with a series of sell orders that went completely unmatched. Not a single buyer appeared during the session, leaving the stock vulnerable to sustained downward pressure and reinforcing concerns about sentiment in the non-ferrous metals segment. This latest fall followed a weak previous session, bringing the two-day slide to 5.73 per cent. Unfold more into the scoop here.
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While the talk still hovers around the share price, let's not forget to mention Maan Aluminium’s peak 52-week high, which went higher than INR 160 due to substantial profit margin and broader capacity push. Maan Aluminium is an India-based manufacturer and trader of aluminium profiles. The reason behind the peak trading numbers owed to the market capitalisation dynamics, alignment of broader sector trends, global commodity prices and domestic demands. To know more about the share price movement of the firm, click here.
South Africa
Hulamin, the largest aluminium rolling facility in Sub-Saharan Africa and is also one of the region’s biggest exporters, with overseas sales accounting for more than half of its revenue, has taken a significant step forward with A Richards Consulting (ARC). The firm’s long-running modernisation of its aluminium rolling operations is on the road to completing the second phase of the upgrade to the company’s S5 cold mill. The main aim of the project is to drive the process wider strips, a change that opens access to new markets and enables the S5 mill to concentrate on high-quality, 14-out can-stock material. Hulamin expects the shift to improve product flow across the entire plant, ultimately raising overall utilisation. Gain more information about the news here.
China
As per the filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, after Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) signed a capital-contribution agreement to restructure ownership within its downstream aluminium operations, Yunnan Aluminium will acquire and consolidate stakes across three related companies. As described in the agreement, three subsidiaries of Chalco, i.e., Chinalco High-end Manufacturing, Yunnan Aluminium and Kunming Copper will be investing USD 127.9 million into Yunnan Aluminum Foil. This investment includes USD 115.4 million in cash, along with USD 12.48 million in assets, such as land-use rights, buildings and associated liabilities. For other investment details, read the news.
A sneak-peak into global aluminium industry & its forecast
Right when the global extrusion market comes into a steady position than it started in the beginning of the year, global data indicates that the sector, globally, will be experiencing a hit of nearly 35.25 million tonnes, an increase from 34.27 million tonnes as recorded in the previous year, projecting a growth rate of 2.8 per cent. The primary growth was fueled by China, which is deemed to be the market leader, expected to raise the total consumption from 22.32 million tonnes in 2024 to 22.87 million tonnes in 2025 with a projected growth rate of 3.16 per cent till 2032. Dig deeper into these fact-stating data points with nearly accurate projections.
Now let’s talk about import duties
The Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA) has recently reached out to the government, expressing serious concerns that the current 7.5 per cent import duty on primary aluminium is significantly hurting the competitiveness of India’s downstream sector. ASMA has pointed out that primary aluminium, which makes up almost 80 per cent of the manufacturers’ production costs, is now priced higher due to duties. This has led to domestic selling prices soaring well above international rates. Get deeper into the scoop here.
Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics
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