China Sept bauxite imports climb 18.7% M-o-M; elevated freight costs hit non-mainstream imports
According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), China's total bauxite imports reached 18.33 million tonnes in September 2026, up 18.7 per cent month-on-month and 15.4 per cent year-on-year. Over January-September, cumulative bauxite imports totalled 173.9 million tonnes, up 10.3 per cent year-on-year, with overall imported ore supply remaining at elevated levels. According to Mysteel's data, Chinese alumina producers consumed approximately 128.79 million tonnes of imported ore on a cumulative basis from January to September 2026. Actual imported ore consumption significantly lagged total imports over the same period, indicating that the imported bauxite market remains surplus for now. Among China's bauxite imports in September,...
Technical rebound combined with destocking support; Marginal supply increase limits aluminium price upside
Futures: SHFE aluminium closed at RMB 23,300 per tonne, up 1.44 per cent. Prices broke firmly above MA5 (23,057) and MA10 (23,082), but upside remains capped by MA30 (23,802) and MA60 (23,772), with the overall move representing a strong rebound after oversold conditions. Although the MACD lines (DIF=-265.99, DEA=-229.00) remain below the zero axis, the green bars narrowed sharply to -73.98 (previous day -156.23), indicating a significant decline in bearish momentum and the initial emergence of a technical bullish divergence. Trading volume reached 102,100 lots, reflecting active bottom-fishing. The suggested core trading range for SHFE aluminium is 23,000-23,800. LME aluminium closed at USD 3,037.5 per tonne, up 0.35 per cent. Prices have stabilised above MA5 (3,026.7) and MA10...
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ASI certifies ARZYZ, S.A. DE C.V. against Performance Standard V3 with Provisional status
ARZYZ, S.A. DE C.V. has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) with Provisional status for the manufacturing of aluminium alloys at facilities in Apodaca and Cienega de Flores, as well as their administrative activities in Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that ARZYZ, S.A. DE C.V. has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 with Provisional status. The facilities’ combined annual production capacity is approximately 240,000 tonnes of aluminium alloys, supplying industries such as automotive, building and construction, packaging, and electronics. The ASI Certification program was developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process and is the only comprehensive voluntary sustainability standard...
Alba announces Ma’aden as a major shareholder
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest smelter on one site, announces that Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) as its new strategic shareholder following the acquisition of SABIC’s 20.62% stake in Alba. The c.US$1 billion transaction marks a transformative moment for Alba and reinforces its position as a global leader in the aluminium industry. Image source: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. Welcoming Ma’aden to Alba’s shareholder base, Alba’s Chairman of the Board, Khalid Al Rumaihi, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Ma’aden as a strategic shareholder in Alba. This landmark transaction underscores Alba’s operational excellence and growth potential. Together with Ma’aden, we will unlock synergies that strengthen our competitive edge globally while advancing our shared commitment...
EU expands sanctions on Russian aluminium: industry calls for closing loopholes
European Aluminium, the voice of the entire aluminium value chain in Europe, welcomes the inclusion of primary aluminium in the EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia. This package expands existing restrictions on Russian aluminium imports and addresses a longstanding request of the industry to include primary aluminium alongside previously sanctioned products. The new sanctions cover key aluminium product categories, such as ingots, slabs, and billets, under the trade code HS 7601. Furthermore, a quota mechanism is introduced, allowing 275,000 tons, which equates to 80% of EU imports in 2024, to be used over a 12-month period. The EU's imports of Russian primary aluminium have declined significantly over the past two years, driven by proactive steps taken by European producers to...
The right deal for America and US aluminium: Charles Johnson, president & CEO, The Aluminum Association
Last week, President Trump signed a proclamation strengthening existing Section 232 aluminium tariffs that he originally implemented in 2018 on national security grounds. There’s a lot to like and a lot we support in the president’s action. Though – and this is critical – for our industry’s growth, and for national security, we must maintain tariff-free access to aluminium from Canada. The Aluminum Association welcomes the Trump administration’s focus on this critical material and our industry’s ability to compete. We want and need to open new smelting capacity in the United States, which is President Trump’s intent. It’s been 45 years since the U.S. built a new primary aluminium smelter. Strategic use of these tariffs – paired with unleashed American energy – could help get us there....
Sigma releases BF mirrorless camera alongside 300-600mm F4 DG OS sports lens, and 16-300mm lens
Sigma kicks off CP+ week with the launch of the ‘radically simple’ BF camera, a stunning 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens, and APS-C all-in-one zoom lens. Image Source: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/cameras/bf/ B&H is pleased to share, Sigma is getting an early start on CP+ with the launch featuring a brand-new mirrorless camera, two new zoom lenses, and a re-release of the much-loved I series of compact primes. The BF mirrorless camera goes for a "radically simple" design with an aluminium unibody and refined set of controls to make the most of the 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. The other part of today's release are two zooms: a stunning 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports optimised for professional shooting and an APS-C oriented 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary all-in-one for everyday...
EU 16th sanctions package | Aluminium: The European industry is being deprived of strategic supplies at the worst possible moment
The announcement of a ban on Russian primary aluminium in the EU's 16th package of sanctions represents untimely self-inflicted damage without any effect on the announced goals. If confirmed by EU ministers, this measure would put the entire downstream European aluminium value chain at risk. The Russian aluminium industry represents less than 0.5 per cent of the country's GDP, and the ban covers essentially one private company, RUSAL, which is the sole significant exporter. The company's sales to the EU recently amounted to roughly 2 billion euros. This amount was misleadingly presented as revenue for the Russian State, while it is the revenue of a private company. Obviously, only a small fraction of this amount is collected as tax by the Russian State. Therefore, the ban will have...
Canyon bolsters Board with the appointment of Dean Horton
Canyon Resources Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Horton as Non-Executive Director, commencing his role on February 19, 2025. Horton’s appointment supports the Board’s strategy of attracting and building a proven, diversified, and highly credentialed team of industry professionals who can grow and develop the Company’s Minim Martap Bauxite Project in Cameroon through development and into production. Horton is a senior corporate finance professional with over 25 years of international experience in the development and financing of energy, natural resource and infrastructure projects. Horton has held senior roles with leading financial institutions across Australia, Africa, the Gulf Region, Hong Kong and Indonesia. An emerging markets expert, Horton brings a network of...
Rio Tinto announces several Board changes for FY25
Mining giant Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO), a prominent player in the metals & mining industry with a market capitalization of USD 102.4 billion, has announced quite a few changes to its board of directors, with several members set to step down later this year. The string of changes was brought forth by the leading aluminium value-chain enterprise’s (among other businesses) chairperson Dominic Barton. Rio Tinto Chair Dominic Barton has conveyed, “As we reported last year, the size of the Board peaked at 14 Directors as we retained the expertise and experience of our longer-serving Directors during a transitional period as newer Directors familiarise themselves with the Group. That transitional phase is now largely concluded so we will make the following changes to the Board during 2025.” He has...
Global production of aluminium aerosol cans grows by over 4% in 2024
The member companies of AEROBAL, the International Organisation of Aluminum Aerosol Can Manufacturers, reported worldwide deliveries of 6.75 billion units in 2024. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 4.2 per cent increase. This remarkable growth, despite a rather challenging economic environment, was driven by robust demand across all key market segments, including personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, as well as food and household products. Strong demand across all key markets The personal care sector remains by far the most important market, accounting for approximately 81.5 per cent of total demand and achieving an overall growth of 4 per cent compared to 2023. Deodorants and antiperspirants continue to dominate this category, delivering solid growth of 3 per cent....
Stronger by Design: Well-Hung Windows’ Commitment to Quality and Performance
Well-Hung Windows has been setting the benchmark for high-quality window manufacturing in Townsville for over two decades. With a commitment to craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement, this locally owned business, established by Colin Smith more than twenty years ago, has built a reputation for excellence that keeps clients returning. At the heart of Well-Hung Windows is a simple philosophy: make quality products, deliver outstanding service, and never say no to a challenge. Rather than turning customers away, the team focuses on finding solutions, making adjustments, and ensuring every request is met with a practical approach. "It's not about saying no," explains Adam Hamilton, Director and one of the key figures behind the company's success. "It's about saying,...
RUSAL receives the highest ESG ranking by China's leading agency
RUSAL, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, received an ESG ranking from the Chinese rating agency China Chengxin Green Finance Technology (CCXGF). The agency has assigned RUSAL the highest category ranking of "A—." The expert assessment was based on 17 key indicators of the Company's environmental, social, and corporate governance performance. "China is a high-potential market with a growing demand for low-carbon footprint products. An independent assessment of RUSAL's operational efficiency in matters of sustainable development and ESG risk management is important for local customers. In 2024, three of the Company's aluminium smelters, including the two largest ones, Krasnoyarsk and Bratsk smelters, received the Green Power Aluminum certificates from the China Non-ferrous...
The SECO/WARWICK solution for an Asian manufacturer
An industry partner specialising in the production of heat exchangers purchased a semi-continuous furnace for controlled atmosphere aluminium brazing (CAB) from SECO/WARWICK to increase production capacity. The system is designed to increase the efficiency and quality of the heat exchangers with ribbed plate construction. The CAB system for semi-continuous operation is based on the cycle multi-stage division. The line includes: a drying furnace an inlet purging chamber a patented heating and brazing chamber an intermediate cooling chamber with an air jacket a direct final cooling chamber The product moves between stages in a horizontal position based on a continuously adjustable cycle time, depending on the load’s type and configuration. The semi-continuous operation mode ensures that...
Rio Tinto donates A$750,000 to Queensland flood relief and recovery efforts
Rio Tinto has donated AUD 750,000 to support disaster relief efforts for those impacted by the widespread floods in North Queensland. This picture is for reference purposes only The funds will support the work of key organisations, including the Queensland Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and the Queensland Red Cross, which are providing medical care, running evacuation centres and helping people recover from the disaster. Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker said, “Our hearts go out to everyone in the communities affected by the devastating floods, who include our team members and local suppliers and partners.” “We’re grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the Queensland Red Cross and the Queensland Royal Flying Doctors and hope this contribution helps them continue...
European Aluminium voices deep concern about US tariffs on aluminium
European Aluminium, the voice of the entire European aluminium value chain, expresses deep concern over the recent announcement from the U.S. regarding the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on all aluminium imports. This move threatens to disrupt transatlantic trade relations between two strong economic partners. "The EU and the U.S. have developed robust, interconnected supply chains through years of trade and investment, with many of our members operating on both sides of the Atlantic. Tariffs will drive up costs in the U.S. and distort trade flows all over the world. Ultimately, they will disrupt the efficiency and integration of global markets at a time when stability is most needed," said Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium. The EU exported around 309,000 tonnes worth...
Record number of used aluminium beverage cans recycled as industry drives toward 100% circularity by 2050
The latest report by Metal Packaging Europe and European Aluminium shows that the overall recycling rate for aluminium beverage cans in the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland was 75% (74.6%). Although a slight drop (1%), the total amount of aluminium recycled from cans continued to increase to a record level of 580,000 tonnes, an increase of 10,000 tonnes (or 1.7%) on the previous year. This represents a total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions saving of 5.4 million tonnes of CO₂eq (equivalent to the annual amount of GHG produced by a European city of more than half a million inhabitants like Oslo or Genoa2). The increase in recycled aluminium volume reflects a higher overall consumption of aluminium beverage cans in 2022 which resulted in more cans entering the...
Back British Metals initiative builds political support and outlines ambitious plans for industry growth
The Back British Metals (BBM) initiative has reinforced its commitment to positioning the UK metals industry as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and national resilience following a pivotal meeting with Chris McDonald MP. With growing political backing, BBM is playing a leading role in ensuring that metals, a sector omitted as a growth sector from the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, are recognised as an industry of opportunity that underpins national infrastructure, defence, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. At the latest BBM strategy meeting, industry leaders and key stakeholders gathered to outline priorities for the sector in the short, medium and long term. The discussions focused on the sector’s global competitiveness, investment potential and its place in...
ASI certifies Jiangsu Synprim Metal Materials Technology Co ., Ltd against Performance Standard V3 with Provisional status
Jiangsu Synprim Metal Materials Technology Co ., Ltd has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) with Provisional status for aluminium cutting processes and packaging and sales management activities at their facility in Jiangsu, China. The Provisional Certification is valid for a period of one year, during which the company can address the non-conformances assessed and subsequently seek full Certification. Today, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Jiangsu Synprim Metal Materials Technology Co ., Ltd has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 with provisional status. The facility’s processes comprise shearing, processing, and selling aluminium rolls, primarily used in computers, communications, and consumer electronics (3C) products. The ASI...
Prebaked anode prices continued to rise during the period, cost side strongly increased, putting pressure on enterprises' production
During the January cycle (January 7 to February 7), SMM prebaked anode prices continued their upward trend. The February 2025 procurement benchmark price of a certain aluminium smelter in Shandong was RMB 4,110 per tonne, up 2.11 per cent M-o-M. According to SMM, February prebaked anode export order prices followed the rise in domestic raw material prices, with adjustments ranging from $12-40 per tonne. As of now, SMM's prebaked anode prices in east China closed at RMB 4,110-6,550 per tonne. Raw material side: During this cycle, petroleum coke prices experienced significant increases, particularly around the Chinese New Year holiday. The rise in the low-sulphur petroleum coke market was mainly driven by low refinery inventory levels in north-east China, combined with stockpiling demand...
