In the first half (H1) of 2026, the US imported a total of 1.68 million metric tons of unwrought aluminum (HSN code: 7601), of which 16.96% was sourced from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). How has H1 2026 fared for the momentum of unwrought aluminum exports from the UAE to the US? Year-on-year cooling in trade can be noticed, largely owing to the temporary shutdown of the Emirates Global Aluminium’s (EGA’s) Al Taweelah smelter for repair and maintenance. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” H1 aluminum trade snapshot: 2026 vs 2025 vs 2024 Comparing the H1 2026 figures of unwrought aluminum exported by the UAE to the US, a mixed result...
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...
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LME aluminium prices edged lower on November 7 across spot, 3-month and December contracts, while stocks and live warrants posted marginal increases day-on-day. The LME aluminium cash bid price slipped to USD 2,840 per tonne on November 7 from USD 2,861 per tonne on November 6 — a decline of 0.73 per cent. The cash offer eased to USD 2,841 per tonne from USD 2,861.50 per tonne, down 0.72 per cent. The 3-month bid dropped to USD 2,851 per tonne, compared with USD 2,871 per tonne a day earlier, a decrease of 0.70 per cent. The 3-month offer fell to USD 2,851.50 per tonne from USD 2,872 per tonne, down 0.71 per cent. The December 26 contract also softened, with the bid down to USD 2,878 per tonne versus USD 2,893 per tonne — a 0.52 per cent decline. The offer moved to USD 2,883 per tonne...
Brazil has yet to tap its full aluminium potential, and the country must look beyond the domestic market and re-enter global trade, according to Luciano Alves, CEO of aluminium producer Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA). He said Brazil could lift production and expand its industrial footprint if the government recognises aluminium as a critical mineral. Indonesia as a policy model Alves pointed to Indonesia’s decade-long shift from raw bauxite exports to a refinery-led model as the clearest blueprint for Brazil to emulate. “[Indonesia] is a country that used to export a lot of bauxite, but about ten years ago made a decision to create mechanisms to encourage the construction of aluminium refineries and smelters domestically… They did that very well. Today, there are several new...
A year’s gap and the performance of Century Aluminum, the US-based leading primary aluminium producer, has gone opposite ways. Though the aluminium manufacturer is still in the safe zone in terms of financials, the shipments and sales figures tell an altogether different tale. Image source: https://centuryaluminum.com/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The year has been defined by energy volatility and thin inventory conditions across the aluminium chain, and now Century Aluminum has entered the final quarter of 2025 with a relatively clearer air and a stronger footing. The company’s third-quarter number state steady plant performance where it matters, responsive cost management, and a market that is finally giving US smelters...
Ukraine’s State Property Fund is again selling a 97.5458 per cent stake in the Zaporizhzhia Aluminum Plant (ZAlK), which is 100 per cent state-owned. The auction is scheduled to start at UAH 75.93 million (excluding VAT; USD 1.81 million). The plant is located in the city of Zaporizhzhia, near the national highway N08 and a railway. Image credit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaporizhzhia_Foundry_and_Mechanical_Plant According to the State Property Fund, “The Zaporizhzhia Aluminum Plant is an excellent brownfield project.” The Fund states that the site offers a large total area of premises and land. The new owner may use the plant for their business operations or relocation. The company’s balance sheet includes 1,497 units of real estate and infrastructure totalling 370,929.85 sq. m. Last update:...
Commodity trader Trafigura has delivered significant amounts of aluminium to London Metal Exchange (LME)-approved warehouses in Malaysia, reportedly to take advantage of a financial arrangement, according to sources familiar with the matter. Surge in the aluminium stocks Aluminium inventories in LME-registered warehouses in Port Klang jumped by nearly 100,000 tonnes on October 30, lifting the total to about 366,850 tonnes. The rise is largely attributed to Trafigura’s deliveries, which were mostly placed on LME warrant, a certificate granting ownership of the metal. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Metal on warrant enables higher rent than material stored off warrant, making such transactions financially attractive for...
On Thursday, November 6, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price rose after a sharp decline the previous close. However, the LME aluminium 3-month Asian Reference Price continued to show a declining trend. Both the LME cash bid and offer contracts rose by USD 23 per tonne or 0.81 per cent, and each went up to USD 2,861 per tonne and USD 2,861.5 per tonne. Similarly, the LME 3-month bid also saw an upward trajectory by USD 25 per tonne or 0.9 per cent, to finally settle at USD 2,871 per tonne. The 3-month offer also widened by USD 25.5 per tonne or 0.9 per cent and is currently at USD 2,872 per tonne. To know more about the aluminium extrusion and its forecast till 2032, read “ The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2032 ” The upward movement continued in both the...
Hindalco Industries Ltd, the flagship metals company of the Aditya Birla Group, is facing twin challenges this quarter. Its US-based subsidiary, Novelis Inc ., reported weaker-than-expected earnings, prompting several brokerage downgrades. At the same time, the company has rolled out a 100-day campaign aimed at helping shareholders recover unclaimed dividends. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Poor performance of Novelis in the quarter Novelis posted quarterly net sales of around USD 4.7 billion, marking a 10 per cent increase year-on-year. However, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) slipped to USD 422 million, compared with USD 462 million in the previous period. The company took a USD 54...
The start of the week reflected an enhanced London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price, but the following represented a dip in the LME, where cash, 3-month contract and forward contract dipped significantly. Both the LME cash bid and offer fell by USD 14.5 per tonne or 0.5 per cent, down from USD 2,852.5 per tonne to USD 2,838 per tonne and from USD 2,853 per tonne to USD 2,838.5 per tonne, respectively. The three-month contract also declined on November 5, with the bid falling by USD 14.5 per tonne or 0.5 per cent to USD 2,846 per tonne and the offer down by USD 15 per tonne or 0.52 per cent to USD 2,846.5 per tonne. To know more about the aluminium extrusion and its forecast till 2032, read “ The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2032 ” For forward contracts, both...
The proposed 15 per cent customs duty on aluminium and its downstream products is set to bring a new outlook to India’s aluminium sector, reshaping its trade dynamics and strengthening domestic resilience. In FY 2024–25, India’s aluminium production capacity, including downstream products, stood at 6.4 million tonnes, while domestic demand was 4.9 million tonnes — clearly showing that India can comfortably meet its own requirements and export the surplus. The country also exported 2.23 million tonnes of aluminium and downstream products during the fiscal year. However, despite this surplus, India imported around 3 million tonnes of aluminium — including primary, alloyed, unwrought, and fabricated forms. These imports, largely from China and Gulf-based producers, are not driven by a...
Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) moved lower on November 4, marking a modest decline across cash, three-month, and forward contracts. The cash bid price fell 1.71 per cent to USD 2,852.50 per tonne, while the cash offer eased 1.72 per cent to USD 2,853 per tonne, compared with the previous day’s USD 2,902 per tonne and USD 2,903 per tonne respectively. The three-month bid price declined 1.58 per cent to USD 2,860.50 per tonne, and the three-month offer edged down 1.57 per cent to USD 2,861.50 per tonne. For forward contracts, the December 26 bid was USD 2,878 per tonne, and the offer stood at USD 2,883 per tonne, both down around 1.37 per cent from USD 2,918 per cent and USD 2,923 per tonne respectively. The LME aluminium three-month Asian Reference Price was quoted at...
Good news for Rio Tinto's Bell Bay aluminium smelter, with the new power deal inked, it will be running for at least the next 14 months. This came as the Tasmanian government decided to extend its power supply agreement temporarily. This extension ensures production stability while talks are underway regarding a potential federal government support package aimed at securing the smelter's long-term future. Where the issue arose The Bell Bay aluminium smelter, nestled close to Launceston, supports about 500 jobs. As per the recent electricity supply agreement, Tasmania's state-owned power generator will run out on December 31. Back in April, Rio Tinto expressed concern regarding this pressing issue, highlighting that there's still " material uncertainty " about the smelter's operations...
What is up with the primary aluminium production at the end of the third quarter 2025 - wonders many people, especially with China nearing its 45 million tonnes cap, Australia grappling with energy crisis, and North America shifting its focus to secondary aluminium. Till the end of June, the world primary aluminium production was found stable, although with a few random shifts in dynamics, standing at 36.5 million tonnes – up by 1.4 per cent from 36 million tonnes a year ago. Even the quarterly production climbed up the graph from 18.115 million tonnes in Q1 2025 to 18.377 million tonnes in 2025. Growth persists but at a cooler pace Now, it remains to be seen whether the trend will persist through Q3 or take a different course over the next three months. Ultimately, we will assess whether...
The start of the week reflected an enhanced London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price, where cash, 3-month contract, and forward contract also rose significantly. However, a slight decline has been seen in the opening stock & cancelled warrants. LME cash bid grew by USD 17.5 per tonne or 0.60 per cent to finally settle at USD 2,902 per tonne, up from USD 2,884.5 per tonne. Concurrently, the LME cash offer settlement also widened by USD 18 per tonne or 0.62 per cent and is at USD 2,903 per tonne, up from USD 2,885 per tonne. The three-month contract also firmed, with the bid rising by USD 26.5 per tonne or 1.21 per cent to USD 2,906.5 per tonne and the offer up by USD 25 per tonne or 1.26 per cent to USD 2,907 per tonne. To know more about the aluminium extrusion and its forecast till...
Antipodes Partners Ltd has taken a fresh position in Century Aluminium Company (NASDAQ: CENX), according to its latest SEC filing. The Sydney-based investment firm acquired 153,131 shares in the industrial metals producer, a stake valued at roughly USD 2.8 million at the time of purchase. By the end of the quarter, the holding represented about 0.16 per cent of Century Aluminium’s total stock. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Institutional investment renews market confidence Besides Antipodes Partners, a number of other major funds have also increased their exposure to the company this year. Woodline Partners LP opened a new position in the first quarter valued at about USD 19.3 million. Impala Asset Management LLC raised its...
S&S Power Switchgears Limited has just hit a significant milestone with its fully-owned subsidiary, Hamilton Research & Technology Private Limited (HART). It has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from Giza Systems Free Zone in Egypt to provide an innovative Pot Control System along with other technologies tailored for aluminium smelter operations. Crucial contract details The contract, valued at over INR 30 crores (USD 3.6 million), has been awarded by Giza Systems Free Zone in Egypt. It involves supplying a Pot Control System along with related technologies. The project is set to kick off within this financial year and will unfold over a span of 36 months. This collaboration not only highlights S&S Power Switchgears Limited’s technological prowess but also showcases HART’s skill in...
The price of Japanese aluminium ingots has noted a 0.3 per cent increase in its price in late October 2025, mainly owing to the fact that the value of the Japanese yen (JPY) has depreciated against the rising dollar. Although the price has increased, the market still faces a downward trend as Japanese premium continues to fall, which in turn is affecting the aluminium ingot market in the fourth quarter of the year. The stock of heavy finished goods and the prudent customers’ purchasing behaviour tend to affect the overall prices of aluminium ingots in Japan. However, analysts maintain a bearish outlook for the near term. The increase in prices of Japanese aluminium ingots by 0.3 per cent is guided by several factors, including the high demand from downstream industries, along with the...
London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices strengthened on October 31, supported by higher market activity and a sharp rise in exchange inventories. The LME aluminium cash bid rose 2.11 per cent to USD 2,884.5 per tonne, while the cash offer gained 2.09 per cent to USD 2,885 per tonne, compared to USD 2,825 per tonne and USD 2,826 per tonne on October 30. The three-month contract also firmed, with the bid up 1.21 per cent to USD 2,880 per tonne and the offer up 1.26 per cent to USD 2,882 per tonne from USD 2,845.5 per tonne and USD 2,846 per tonne respectively. For forward trades, the December 26 bid climbed 1.40 per cent to USD 2,902 per tonne, while the offer advanced by the same margin to USD 2,907 per tonne, compared to USD 2,862 per tonne and USD 2,867 per tonne a day earlier. The...
Vedanta Ltd., released its consolidated results for the second quarter of FY26 on October 31, 2025, highlighting strong operational growth and record performance across major business segments, though the profit declined sharply year-on-year. The company’s consolidated net profit stood at INR 1,798 crore (USD 202.5 million), down 59 per cent from INR 4,352 crore (USD 490 million) in the same quarter last year. The fall was largely due to a loss of INR 2,067 crore (USD 232.8 million), compared with gains of INR 1,868 crore (USD 210 million) in Q2 FY25. Revenue, however, rose to INR 39,868 crore (USD 4.49 billion), up 5.9 per cent from INR 37,634 crore (USD 4.2 billion) a year ago. EBITDA for the quarter also reached a record INR 11,612 crore (USD 1.3 billion), marking a 12 per cent...
