Norsk Hydro’s earnings outlook for 2027 is facing mounting pressure from falling aluminium premiums, rising operating costs and easing supply tightness in Europe, prompting Goldman Sachs to downgrade the Norwegian producer from ‘buy’ to ‘neutral’ and reduce its price target from NOK 100 (USD 10.71) to NOK 79 (USD 8.46). Goldman said weaker premiums and higher costs were making further earnings growth harder to achieve in 2027. The bank also lowered its core earnings (EBITDA) forecasts for 2026 and 2027 by 6 per cent each, citing lower aluminium prices and rising costs. The changing market conditions come as additional metal from the Middle East reaches the market and Indonesian aluminium supply expands faster than expected, easing European supply constraints sooner than Goldman had...
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd is expected to face weaker smelting margins in the second half of 2026 as aluminium supply constraints ease, input costs rise and market sentiment shifts towards a potential surplus in 2027, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research. “The narrative now is increasingly shifting to a potential surplus in 2027. Coupled with falling Japan-Port (MJP) premium and rising alumina as well as carbon anode costs, we foresee sequentially weaker smelting margins in 2H2026,” the research house said in a note on Monday. HLIB Research estimates that Press Metal’s core earnings for the third quarter of 2026 will range between MYR 600 million (USD 146.85 million) and MYR 650 million (USD 159.09 million), representing a decline of 10 per cent to 17 per cent...
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Shares of Tianshan Aluminum Group Co. Ltd fell 7.48 per cent to an intraday low of RMB 16.01 (USD 2.21), compared to the Shanghai Composite’s 1.39 per cent drop. The stock has lost 13.32 per cent over the past week and is down 5.32 per cent on a monthly basis, reflecting near-term pressure. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Despite the recent slide, the company remains a strong long-term performer. This past year, the stock has gained 76.58 per cent, significantly outpacing the broader index’s 16.93 per cent rise. The company has reported positive earnings for five straight quarters. Its operating cash flow stood at RMB 6,405.24 million (USD 885.60 million). Key metrics remain steady, with return on...
The global aluminium value chain is going through some significant changes. With shifting trade patterns, increasing geopolitical tensions, innovations driven by sustainability and rising cost pressures, the market fundamentals are being redefined. The industry is facing a tricky mix of opportunities and uncertainties, from realignments in bauxite supply and freight fluctuations to spikes in premiums and strategic capacity adjustments. All of this could have a big impact on supply, pricing, and investment trends in the near future. Global bauxite shipments increased by 16 per cent in comparison to the same period last year during the first 11 weeks of 2026. The reason behind this is the rising demand from China for supplies from Guinea, which further cements China's leading role in...
The European aluminium premium, the extra cost buyers pay above London Metal Exchange prices to obtain physical metal, has risen in early 2026, indicating higher costs and tighter supply in the region. It was at USD 335 per tonne on January 2, 2026 and stayed within USD 340 per tonne to USD 360.63 per tonne through February. The change became evident in March. Premiums moved up to USD 369.5 per tonne on March 2, rose to USD 427.5 per tonne by March 4, and continued increasing to USD 472.22 per tonne on March 25. Over this period, average aluminium costs in Europe rose by roughly 17–18 per cent compared to late 2025. The timing lines up with rising tensions in the Middle East. The Persian Gulf, producing about 6.8 million tonnes of primary aluminium each year, is a key supplier to Europe...
Saudi Finance Minister, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, has cautioned that recent global supply chain disruptions are now exceeding the impact seen after the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that ongoing geopolitical tensions could have wider economic consequences if they continue for an extended period of time. He pointed out that while oil markets often draw the most attention, the pressure is becoming more visible across key industrial sectors such as refined products, fertilisers, steel, aluminium and petrochemicals. At FII PRIORITY Miami 2026, Al-Jadaan said the current disruptions affecting global trade and logistics are “beyond what we have seen even post-COVID,” indicating that risks are building up even if it’s not fully visible in the market yet. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026...
The producer of high-quality metallurgical-grade alumina, Nanshan Aluminium International Holdings Limited, announced its formally adopted terms of reference. The board-level committee responsible for overseeing the nomination of directors and senior management will be the Nomination Committee. In March 2025, the committee was set up, where the members are appointed by the Board and must include three directors, with the majority being independent non-executive directors. Either a board chairman or an independent non-executive director will be the committee’s chairman, who will again be appointed by the board. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics The Company Secretary will be leading as the secretary for the Nomination Committee. However, the...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices soared on March 26 compared to the previous close. Both cash and futures contracts reported gains by wide margins, while exchange inventories continued to falter. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ”. The LME aluminium cash bid as well as offer price rose 1.14 per cent. The bid price shifted from USD 3,294 per tonne on March 25 to USD 3,331.5 per tonne on March 26. Meanwhile, the cash offer price climbed from USD 3,294.5 per tonne to USD 3,332 per tonne. The three-month contract followed a similar trend. The LME aluminium 3-month bid as well as offer price recorded a gain of 0.8 per cent. The bid price edged up from USD 3,245 per tonne on March 25...
The Middle East tension is affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Korea that depend on the region for aluminium and naptha. A report says these firms need support to manage raw material supply and exports. SMEs do not import much overall from the Middle East, but they depend on it for some key materials. According to a report by The Small and Medium Venture Business Research Institute, about 82.8 per cent of naphtha imports come from countries like Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar. Some aluminium products also rely on the region, including scrap (11.2 per cent) and non-alloy ingots (8.8 per cent). This creates a risk of supply problems. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " SMEs are also more...
Century Aluminum Company (CENX) has reported higher costs and expenses in 2025. Cost of sales increased by 10.9 per cent compared to the previous year. Selling, general and administrative expenses rose by about 41 per cent. Other operating costs also increased by more than 100 per cent. The main cost pressures came from key inputs like alumina, electricity and carbon products. These made up over 84 per cent of total production costs. Changes in energy and raw material prices have also added pressure. Equipment issues at the Grundartangi plant in Iceland affected the cost efficiency. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Despite this, the company has worked to improve performance. It focused on cost control,...
The NSW Government has been called upon by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) to conclude the financial support with consideration of the Tomago aluminium smelter. The union warned that any hold-ups could jeopardise jobs and weaken Australia’s industrial strength. Within the recently released news, the union highlighted that the firm's smelter is one of the largest single employers in the Hunter Valley energy precinct. Further emphasis was made on the local businesses, supply chains and communities that rely heavily on the assurance of its ongoing operation. Moreover, they also indicated that backing the smelter does not mean only saving jobs, but also ensuring that Australia can process bauxite into aluminium domestically, instead of exporting raw materials and bringing in finished...
After two days of declining price trend, on March 24, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price rose significantly. However, the longer-dated contracts were deduced from the previous season. The LME alumina platts price also rose from the last day. Both the LME cash bid and offer rose by USD 52 per tonne or 2 per cent, where the bid shifted from USD 3,242 per tonne to USD 3,294 per tonne. Similarly, the offer moved from USD 3,242.5 per tonne to USD 3,294.5 per tonne. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics The LME 3-month bid expanded by USD 28 per tonne or 1 per cent, changing from USD 3,217 per tonne to USD 3,245 per tonne. A similar trend is seen in the 3-month offer price, which gained by USD 29 per tonne or 1 per cent, from USD 3,218 per...
The federal and Queensland governments of Australia are to jointly sponsor a USD 2 billion support package for Australia’s second-largest aluminium smelter, the Boyne aluminium smelter of Rio Tinto. The joint funding is being rendered as a large-scale renewable energy transition while aiming to secure jobs and long-term industrial stability. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, commented on the investment’s contribution to transforming Queensland’s energy grid. Noting the present global trade disruptions owing to the Middle East conflict, he emphasised the essentiality of a strong domestic manufacturing base. Funds aligned with renewables and jobs In...
The largest alumina producer in Europe is reported to supply the aluminium smelting raw material to the defence industry of Russia. The shipment is said to have started from Ireland's Aughinish plant and is subject to the US and EU sanctions. In the production of military equipment, the need for strong and corrosion-resistant aluminium is vital. Keeping the urgent need in mind, the European Commission, for building up alumina stocks, deemed crucial for the defence sector, has called on the member states. Patrick O’Donovan, the representative for the Limerick constituency in the parliament, claimed, “It supplies Europe with up to 30 per cent of the alumina needed for the continent’s construction, aviation and automotive industries… and is in no way connected to the Russian military...
As the US-Israel conflict with Iran persisted, blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) secured an alternative route for export activities last week, easing the global trade disruption along the Middle East route. The impact was immediate, as the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices fell nearly 1 per cent on March 18 , with the trend continuing till the latest close of LME aluminium on March 24. Both LME aluminium cash bid and offer prices saw a decline of 0.28 per cent. The bid price eased to USD 3,242 per tonne on March 24 from USD 3,251 per tonne on March 23 , as the cash offer settled at USD 3,242.5 per tonne, slipping from USD 3,251.5 per tonne. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium...
Aluminium prices remained low, dipping by 0.12 per cent to settle at USD 330.9 per kilogram, as mixed supply developments and demand concerns kept the market range-bound. However, output has picked up in some regions, with Alvance British Aluminium increasing production at its Lochaber smelter by around 10 per cent, supported by improved export opportunities to the US following tariff changes. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The current production disruptions in the Middle East, such as partial shutdowns at Aluminium Bahrain and reduced operations at Qatalum, have offered some support. However, public opinion still varies. Global inventories have risen above 1.3 million tonnes, the highest since...
The Tomago aluminium smelter is planning to shift to renewable electricity, with an expectation of targeting 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2035, while also strengthening the case for government-backed financial support. To know how the Middle East crisis is affecting the smelters worldwide, read the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ” Last December, the Australian and New South Wales governments announced their support to ensure the continued operation of the Tomago smelter. As part of this support, they will ensure electricity infrastructure development and offer a fixed-price, long-term power purchase agreement that allows the smelter to remain internationally competitive. The smelter is a major employer and energy consumer in NSW. It is the...
Recently, the investors informed that Alcoa’s San Ciprián smelter has ramped up to 90 per cent of its capacity. The smelter, located in Spain, by mid-year, especially after experiencing some earlier cutbacks, is expecting to reach its full capacity. Back in 2021, the smelter's production was reduced due to rising power costs and a nationwide power outage in Spain last April, which further complicated operations at the nearby smelter and refinery as well. Before this reduction, the facility boasted a production capacity of 228 thousand tonnes per year. Also read: Alcoa reports higher orders following Middle East aluminium disruptions Alcoa's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Molly Beerman, stated, "We've got a great workforce, a really knowledgeable team there. The...
Given the volatility rising due to the Middle East crisis and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices seem to be high one day but again trembling on the other. March 23 saw such a time, where the LME aluminium prices, including the longer-dated contracts, fell from the previous day’s close. On March 23, both the LME cash bid and offer dipped by USD 77.5 per tonne or 2.3 per cent, where the bid reached USD 3,251 per tonne from USD 3,328.5 per tonne and the offer to USD 3,251.5 per tonne from USD 3,329 per tonne. In his LinkedIn Newsletter, Jorge Eduardo Dyszel, London Metal Exchange trainer and risk management consultant, explained aluminium prices declined rapidly in a vertical move , amplified by margin calls and thin liquidity,...
Vedanta Aluminium hosted Kiran Bedi at its Jharsuguda plant, where she addressed over 1,000 participants at a town hall held as part of the company’s Women’s Day initiatives. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Bedi, India’s first woman IPS officer, spoke on leadership and inclusivity, emphasising integrity and continuous learning. The session was attended by employees, business partners and community members. Addressing the participants, Kiran Bedi said, “Vedanta Limited is a diamond of this country, and the nation needs more institutions that use resources responsibly and drive growth with purpose. Stay committed to learning, lead with empathy, and connect with people by listening and understanding...
