Global primary aluminium production experienced a sequential recovery in the third quarter of 2026, supported by the gradual restoration of disrupted smelting capacity in the GCC countries, stronger operational performance in Europe and Oceania, and incremental production gains across Asia and China. But beneath this quarterly improvement lies a contrasting reality - global output remained below the corresponding levels of both 2025 and 2024. According to data from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium production reached 18.377 million tonnes in Q3 2026, an increase of 2.1 per cent from 18.003 million tonnes in the preceding quarter. However, compared with Q3 2025, when production totalled 18.683 million tonnes, output declined by 1.64 per cent. Production...
Europe's aluminium industry is facing mounting pressure from rising carbon costs, shifting trade policies and limited willingness among buyers to pay premiums for low-carbon metal. Yet, despite a series of crises since the Covid pandemic, producers remain committed to maintaining their presence in Europe and investing in decarbonisation, said Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium. In an exclusive interview with Fastmarkets at Aluminium Düsseldorf, Voss described the European aluminium industry's condition as bruised but resilient. He highlighted concerns over the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), the potential inclusion of indirect (Scope 2) emissions under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the treatment of aluminium scrap in carbon accounting. Reflecting on...
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According to the latest report from US Geological Survey, US domestic primary aluminium production came in at 93,000 tonnes in March 2019. The average daily production was 3,000 tonnes, up 31 per cent year-on-year, but down 3 per cent month-on-month. Total aluminium recovered from scrap stood at 289,000 tonnes in March, 5 per cent higher than the revised amount in February. This was 7 per cent less than the amount in March 2018, and 10 per cent less than the amount in March 2017. Of this, 163,000 tonnes of aluminium was recovered from new scrap and 126,000 tonnes was recovered from old scrap. Primary aluminium inventories in LME-approved warehouses in the United States dropped to 39,400 tonnes at the end of March. Inventories of secondary aluminium (North American Secondary Aluminium...
The US dollar came off from earlier highs on Thursday. LME base metals closed mixed on Thursday and aluminium fell 0.8%. SHFE base metals traded lower overnight and aluminium lost 0.2%. Three-month LME aluminium dropped 0.84% on Thursday to close at US$1,781 per tonne. LME aluminium inventories gained 27,400 tonnes on the day to 212,400 tonnes. LME cash contract declined 0.45% from Wednesday and closed at US$ 1762 per tonne on Thursday, 30 May 2019. LME aluminium is expected to trade rangebound at lows or try to regain some ground today. The contract is likely to trade at US$1,780-1,800 per tonne. As on May 30, Thursday, LME aluminium cash (bid) price stood at US$ 1761.50 per tonne, LME official settlement price stands at US$ 1762 per tonne; 3-months bid price stands at US$ 1786.50 per...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the price of A00 aluminium ingot has extended its fall by RMB 10 per tonne to RMB 14,180 per tonne on May 31, 2019. This marks the fourth consecutive decline since May 28. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 14,160 per tonne and RMB 14,200 per tonne. Spot aluminium contract is likely to be traded at a discount of RMB 10 per tonne to a premium of RMB 30 per tonne. However, the decline in aluminium ingot today has not touched upon all the major cities in China, such as Wuxi, Hangzhou, Tianjin, and Gongyi. The aluminium ingot prices there are therefore still hovering at RMB 14,170 per tonne, RMB 14,230 per tonne, RMB 14,210 per tonne and RMB 14,115 per tonne, respectively. Other cities have seen a decline in aluminium ingot price. In...
Social inventories of primary aluminium across eight consumption areas in China, including SHFE warrants, came in at 1.212 million tonnes as of Thursday May 30. Primary aluminium stocks declined 70,000 tonnes from 1.282 million tonnes on Thursday May 23, as updated by Shanghai Metals Market. Inventories continued to decline this week, due to limited arrivals and brisk demand. The chart below indicates the current status of primary aluminium inventories across all major China markets: Primary aluminium stocks in Wuxi, Jiangsu stood at 434,000 tonnes on Thursday, down 27,000 tonnes from 461,000 tonnes on Thursday May 23. Inventories in Shanghai and Nanhai, Guangdong, declined 14,000 tonnes and 6,000 tonnes from May 23 to stand at 251,000 tonnes and 255,000 tonnes. Inventories in Gongyi,...
The US dollar extended its gains on Wednesday amidst US-China trade tension. LME base metals closed lower on Wednesday and aluminium shed 0.4%. SHFE base metals performed similarly and aluminium lost 0.5%. Despite a 23,550 tonne decline in LME aluminium stocks, three-month LME aluminium declined 0.42% on Wednesday to close at US$1,796 per tonne, as the market remained focused on greater alumina supplies. LME cash contract also declined and closed at US$ 1770 per tonne. LME aluminium is expected to trade between US$1,750-1,850 per tonne today. As on May 29, Wednesday, LME aluminium cash (bid) price stood at US$ 1768 per tonne, LME official settlement price stands at US$ 1770 per tonne; 3-months bid price stands at US$ 1796 per tonne, 3-months offer price is US$ 1797 per tonne; Dec 20 bid...
Roeland Baan and Peter Kukielski were elected to join Hydro's Board of Directors for a period of up to 2 years, Hydro announced on Wednesday May 29. With the appointment of new members, Hydro’s Board now consists of Chair Dag Mejdell, Deputy Chair Irene Rummelhoff, Finn Jebsen, Thomas Schulz, Liselott Kilaas, Marianne Wiinholt, Roeland Baan, Peter Kukielski and the employee-elected board members Sten Roar Martinsen, Arve Baade and Svein Kåre Sund. Roeland Baan is from the Netherlands is currently CEO of Outokumpu, with previous experience from i.e. Aleris, Mittal Steel and Shell. Peter Kukielski is from South Africa recently stepped down as CEO of Nevsun Resources, with previous experience from i.e. Anemka Resources, Arcelor Mittal and Teck Resources.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Bahrain-based aluminium smelter, has been awarded the ‘Best Corporate Governance in Industrial Services Middle East’ award for its outstanding corporate governance policies as well as its role in establishing and maintaining good practices in transparency across its operations. The company has won the award by Ethical Boardroom. Alba’s chairman of the board of directors Shaikh Daij Bin Salman Bin Daij Al Khalifa said: “This recognition from Ethical Boardroom is a proud moment for us and underlines our commitment towards best business practices.” “Our corporate governance practices are done more through principles rather than rules and for that we thank our board of directors as well as the executive management for their continued support in safeguarding the...
After winning ASI certificates for its rolling and extrusion operations, Hydro has won its ASI Performance Standard certifications with Primary Metal operations including the aluminium smelting, re-melting/refining and casthouse activities at the production sites Clervaux (Luxembourg), Høyanger (Norway), Karmøy (Norway), Sunndal (Norway) and Årdal (Norway). Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced on May 28 that Hydro’s Primary Aluminium operations in Luxembourg and Norway were successfully certified against the ASI Performance Standard. With this certification of the Primary Aluminium sites, Hydro won ASI certification for its 13 production sites including primary metal, smelting/re-melting, casting, extruding and rolling. The producer now boosts the most ASI Performance Standard...
The US dollar extended its rebound on Tuesday, driven by trade and political concerns as well as a strong rise in American consumer confidence. LME base metals closed mixed on Tuesday after the long weekend. Aluminium inched up close to 0.1%. Most SHFE base metals traded lower overnight but aluminium rose 0.2%. After the holiday on Monday, three-month LME aluminium fluctuated between US$1,799-1,814.5 per tonne on Tuesday and closed 0.08% higher at US$1,803.5 per tonne. LME cash settlement price closed higher on Monday at US$1773 per tonne. Despite an 8,100 tonne decline in aluminium stocks across LME-approved warehouses, LME aluminium is expected to continue its rangebound pattern between US$1,790-1,820 per tonne today as the greenback held firm. As on May 28, Monday, LME aluminium cash...
The Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) reported that Iran's total production of aluminium stood at 20,415 tonnes during the first Iranian month (March 21-April 20). This marks a drop of 33 per from the same period last year. Iran’s flagship aluminium producer Iran Aluminum Company (IRALCO) accounted for 15,297 tonnes of the total figure, which indicates a 2 per cent growth year-on-year. Hormozal Aluminum Company churned out 2,625 tonnes, which was a 73 per cent drop on the year. Almahdi Aluminum Company produced 2,493 tonnes, down by 58 per cent YoY. Iran Alumina Company’s production of alumina came in at 18,259 tonnes in the same period, showing an 11 per cent decline compared to last year's same month. The country has an estimated...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), on course to become the world’s largest smelter with Potline 6, announced an outstanding Safety milestone as its smelter achieved 6 million working-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI) on Sunday 26 May 2019. A ceremony was held on Tuesday June 28 to mark the occasion. It was attended by Alba Deputy CEO, Mr. Ali Al Baqali, the Executive Management, Directors Managers and employees from various departments. Chairman Alba’s Board of Directors, Shaikh Daij Bin Salman Bin Daij Al Khalifa said: “This achievement of 6 million working-hours without LTI, the highest level attained in over a decade, proves that Safety sits at the Heart of Alba. I want to thank every employee and contractor for going above and beyond to reach this milestone. As we move into the hot...
Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre Tadweer has reportedly acknowledged four companies that annually generate over 250 tonnes of waste in a bid minimise waste production at source. One of the honorees is Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) that has developed a successful and cost-effective waste recycling model. Since 2010, EGA is in collaboration with the UAE-based leading cement manufacturers to reutilise spent pot lining, a major waste stream of aluminium smelting. In 2018, EGA provided cement companies with more than 41,000 tonnes of spent pot lining for use as an alternative fuel and raw material. Use of SPL as an alternative feedstock reduced CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing. Overall, last year EGA had achieved a 15 per cent reduction in waste generation, while its recycling...
Japan’s aluminium industry is import based and it has stopped producing primary metal altogether shifting its focus towards value added applications and in secondary aluminium recovery. The country is Asia's top importer of aluminium and the premiums for primary metal shipments it agrees to pay each quarter over the London Metal Exchange cash price set the benchmark for the Asia region. The two major aluminium product manufacturers in Japan are Kobe Steel and Aluminium and UACJ Corporation who make aluminium plates, pre coated sheets and various rolling products for value added applications. Most of end-users keep annual purchase volume of aluminium unchanged to secure stable supply to their production plants. The country imports a large volume of aluminium (alloyed and non-alloyed) to...
The US dollar recovered some ground on Monday, as market holidays in Britain and the US muted trades. Most SHFE base metals traded higher overnight but aluminium dipped close to 0.1%. LME remained closed yesterday. As on May 21, Friday, LME aluminium cash (bid) price stood at US$ 1761 per tonne, LME official settlement price stands at US$ 1761.50 per tonne; 3-months bid price stands at US$ 1793 per tonne, 3-months offer price is US$ 1795 per tonne; Dec 20 bid price stands at US$ 1913 per tonne, and Dec 20 offer price stands at US$ 1918 per tonne. The LME aluminium opening stock stood at 1208900 tonnes. Live Warrants totalled at 741575 tonnes, and Cancelled Warrants were 467325 tonnes. LME aluminium 3-months Asian Reference Price is hovering at US$ 2072 per tonne. SME and SHFE Aluminium...
China’s manufacturing firm East Hope Group has reportedly entered into an agreement with Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) to explore the feasibility of setting up a project in that region by investing $10 billion. Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of KIZAD, and Meng Changjun, president of Investments, East Hope Group signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of His Excellency Rashed Matar Alsiri Alqemzi, Consul General, United Arab Emirates Consulate General in Shanghai and Yongxing Liu, Chairman of East Hope Group. The potential project may take place in three phases over 15 years, occupying more than 7msqkm within KIZAD. In phase one, there could be the development of an aluminium facility, while in phase two and three, there could be a red mud research centre, a...
On May 27, Canada took the first step towards formalising a new North American Trade Agreement. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland presented what is known as a “ways and means motion” to the House of Commons, which leads the way to the formal presentation of a bill. However, the USMCA deal, which would replace the 25-year old North American Trade Agreement, is yet to be approved by legislatures of the three participating countries – Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The administration of US President negotiated the deal but some US Democratic lawmakers demanded stronger enforcement provisions for USMCA's new labour and environmental standards. The US on May 17 struck deals to exempt aluminium and steel imports tariffs from Canada and Mexico, removing a major obstacle to legislative...
A00 aluminium ingot price dropped after two consecutive increases and stood at RMB14300 per tonne on Tuesday, 28 May 2019. This was down RMB50 per tonne or 0.35 per cent from RMB14350 per tonne on Monday, May 27. The average price is expected to range at RMB14280-14320 per tonne Spot aluminium price is likely to be traded at a premium of RMB40 per tonne. Aluminium ingot price in Foshan came in at RMB 14410 per tonne, down RMB50 per tonne from RMB 14460 per tonne. The average price is expected to range at RMB14390-14430 per tonne today. Ingot price in Wuxi and Hangzhou declined RMB 50 per tonne and RMB 55 per tonne to stand at RMB 14280 per tonne and RMB 14320 per tonne. Aluminium ingot price in Chongqing, Shenyang, Tianjin, Linyi and Gongyi stood at RMB 14340 per tonne, RMB 14335 per...
Nearly 500 members of the local chapter of the United Steelworkers union at Massena cast their votes Friday night in support of a strike against Alcoa and Arconic as negotiations over new labour contracts with them broke off in mid-May. However, the leaders insisted that they are “not going in there wanting to strike” or “any kind of work stoppage” but “they want to negotiate”. "What [the vote] is supposed to tell people is, the union is unified and fighting for what they believe in," Mark Goodfellow, president of United Steelworkers Local 420 said. "They want a fair contract from Alcoa and Arconic." The workers according to him will continue to show up at the plants as usual under the last contract terms for now. In the U.S. more than 4,000 Alcoa and Arconic employees are represented by...
