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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The global aluminium and bauxite markets are currently experiencing a wave of volatility and changing dynamics. Bauxite is starting to carve out a significant place in international trade, challenging the long-held supremacy of iron ore. Meanwhile, India and China are at the forefront of export-import activities, setting records with their shipments and increasing demand. On the other hand, aluminium prices in LME markets have been quite erratic, influenced by mixed signals on supply. Japan's quarterly premiums have taken a nosedive, and various macroeconomic factors, like the ongoing US-China trade tensions and shifting interest rate expectations, are impacting both production and downstream consumption. Upsteam Weekly Recap by AL Circle Pvt Ltd Bauxite trade story Iron ore's grip on...
In late October 2025, the quarterly surcharge for imported primary aluminium into Japan was assessed at USD 86 per tonne (CIF main Japanese ports, P1020/P1020A ingot) by S&P Global Commodity Insights (Platts) — a 20.4 per cent drop from the Q3 figure of USD 108 per tonne. The decline, which came after a 41 per cent plunge in Q3 from the Q2 level of USD 182 per tonne, is a clear sign of weakening in Japan’s role as the region’s aluminium-import benchmark and highlights pressure points for exporters, especially in Asia. Image for referential purposes only Also read: Japan’s aluminium can demand holds at 2.09 billion units in 2025 Benchmark context and mechanics MJP (Main Japanese Port) aluminium premium is a quarterly negotiation between Japanese buyers and overseas suppliers for CIF...
Alcoa Corporation, a top player in the global market for bauxite, alumina and aluminium, has just shared its financial results for the third quarter of 2025. The company saw an uptick in production across both its alumina and aluminium sectors. However, it's worth noting that the quarterly performance was significantly affected by a few major one-time items that shaped the overall financial picture. Production update Alumina production saw a 4 per cent increase from the previous quarter, reaching 2.5 million tonnes. This boost was largely due to higher output from Australian refineries, which had less maintenance downtime during this period. In the aluminium segment, production rose slightly by 1 per cent to 579 thousand tonnes because of the ongoing efforts to restart the San Ciprián...
Aluminium stocks soared on Friday, October 24, as prices of the metal rallied sharply amid tightening global supply, driving strong investor sentiment across the sector. Shares of Hindalco Industries, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), and Vedanta opened with robust gains in early trade, mirroring the strength seen in global peers such as Alcoa. Hindalco led the rally, surging over 4 per cent to hit a record high of INR 824.65 on the NSE before paring some gains to trade 3 per cent higher at INR 815.90 apiece. NALCO followed with a 3.3 per cent rise to INR 235.86, while Vedanta climbed 2.31 per cent to INR 492.95. For Vedanta, aluminium remains a critical growth engine. Company executives said in June 2025 that earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation...
Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) strengthened on Thrusday, October 23, as both cash and three-month contracts posted modest gains, while warehouse stocks recorded a slight decline. On October 23, the LME aluminium cash bid stood at USD 2,843 per tonne, up USD 26 or 0.92 per cent from USD 2,817 per tonne on October 22. The cash offer rose USD 27 or 0.96 per cent, from USD 2,818 to USD 2,845 per tonne. The LME 3-month bid increased from USD 2,812 per tonne on October 22 to USD 2,841.5 per tonne on October 23 — a gain of USD 29.5 or 1.05 per cent. The 3-month offer also climbed by USD 29.5 or 1.05 per cent, from USD 2,812.5 to USD 2,842 per tonne. For forward contracts, the December 26 bid price advanced USD 31 or 1.09 per cent, from USD 2,832 to USD 2,863 per tonne, while...
The sale of the former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead involved a hefty fee of around GBP 2.8 million to the administrator for the sale of the site. The former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead was an aluminium smelting plant that was closed in 2009 after the end of its power contract. Both Orthios Eco Parks (Anglesey) and Orthios Power (Anglesey) Ltd were part of the same group called “Orthios”, located on the former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead, Wales. Craig Ridgley was appointed administrator of these assets. While the paycheck of Craig Ridgley in this deal amounts to 2.765 million pounds for his work, the solicitors, Howes Percival LLP, working for him received 755,000 pounds. The fee structure of Craig Ridgley in this deal consists of 5 per cent of the first 25 million...
South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium smelter continues to hold a key role in developing and running the country’s manufacturing base. Operating since 1996, the smelter at Richards Bay has become one of the largest aluminium producers in the southern hemisphere. It is processing imported alumina into premium-grade metal, which so far has a huge demand across global markets. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The smelter, at present, operates 864 electrolysis cells that leverage the proven Pechiney AP30 version of the Hall-Héroult process. The equipment allows the facility to deliver stable output and effective usage of power, which is indeed a profitable advantage in a country where energy resources are pretty unpredictable. Output...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price showed a sharp increase, reflecting the on-going fluctuations within the market. Both the LME cash bid and offer rose by USD 37 per tonne or 1.33 per cent, and each settled down at USD 2,817 per tonne and USD 2,818 per tonne, respectively. The 3-month bid and offer also showed a similar uptick when each rose by USD 30 per tonne and USD 29.5 per tonne, or 1.1 per cent, to reach USD 2,812 per tonne and USD 2,812.5 per tonne on Wednesday, October 22. For the forward contract, the LME December 26 bid and offer were whopped by USD 17 per tonne or 0.6 per cent, gaining ground at USD 2,832 per tonne and USD 2,837 per tonne. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2025 outlook, read " Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025 " The LME...
At the Aluminum Association’s annual meeting in Washington this September, the topic that dominated was not tariffs, not trade, but energy. As the US government doubles down on its Made in America agenda, aiming to restore domestic aluminium production, executives warned that the dream of a primary aluminium revival may ultimately hinge on one factor alone: affordable electricity. Aluminium has always been an energy story disguised as a metal story. It takes immense electricity to turn alumina into molten aluminium — roughly 11 terawatt-hours (TWh) per smelter every year, enough to power a city like Boston or Nashville. “When you think about the energy intensity that is required for an aluminium smelter, you’re talking about basically powering a city,” Kelly Thomas, Aluminum Association...
Australia’s South32 is currently in talks with the Mozambican government about the future of Mozal, which is the largest aluminium smelter and a key industrial employer in the country. Even with these discussions underway, the company is preparing for a potential halt in operations starting in March, 2026. Recent development South32 has announced that it’s actively working with the Mozambican government, the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant (HCB) and South Africa’s Eskom, which buys electricity from HCB and supplies it to Mozal, to ensure that Mozal, the second-largest aluminium smelter in Africa, has enough affordable power. This facility, located just outside of Maputo, employs around 5,000 workers. South32, in its quarterly report released on Tuesday, October 21, noted that despite...
Aluminium prices edged higher on the London Metal Exchange (LME) on October 21, supported by tighter stock levels and steady demand trends. The LME aluminium cash bid stood at USD 2,780 per tonne, up 0.32 per cent from the previous day’s USD 2,771, while the cash offer increased 0.29 per cent to USD 2,781 per tonne. The three-month contract also gained ground, with the bid rising 0.61 per cent to USD 2,782 per tonne and the offer up 0.61 per cent to USD 2,783 per tonne. Further out, the December 26 contract advanced the most, with the bid up 0.82 per cent to USD 2,815 per tonne and the offer at USD 2,820 per tonne, also up 0.82 per cent from October 20. The LME 3-month Asian Reference Price was reported at USD 2,781 per tonne. On the inventory front, LME aluminium opening stocks declined...
With a resurgence of demand for metals in the global markets, both precious and industrial metals are drawing investment. While gold has approached record highs near USD 2,700 per ounce, silver has edged close to an all-time high, and platinum prices have surged by 80 per cent so far this year. This renewed growth surrounding metals suggests a broader shift in investor sentiment towards commodities, since inflationary pressures and industrial demand remain strong. Aluminium steps out of copper’s shadow So far, copper has a dominating market due to its key role in electrification and renewable energy infrastructure. Simultaneously, aluminium has been a second priority but praised for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly recyclable nature. Although bauxite, the ore from which...
Canada has announced tariff relief on specific steel and aluminium products imported from the United States and China. This move aims to support domestic industries affected by ongoing trade tensions. The decision was formalised through an amendment to the 2024 surtax remission order, effective from October 15, 2025. Further details are expected to be released on November 5, 2025. The Canadian Ministry of Finance has granted exemptions on certain aluminium products from both countries. These products are primarily used in sectors such as public health, national security, manufacturing, agriculture and food packaging. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that the remission process is designed to assist downstream sectors facing exceptional circumstances. He emphasised that...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price has been showing a fluctuating movement. After a good rise in the price, it has again decline on October 20, 2025. The LME cash bid fell by USD 18 per tonne or 0.65 per cent, down from USD 2,789 per tonne to USD 2,771 per tonne. The decline continued in cash offer price when it went down by USD 16.5 per tonne or 0.6 per cent to reach at USD 2,773 per tonne. The 3-month bid reduced by USD 9 per tonne or 0.32 per cent and on Monday, October 20, it settled at USD 2,765 per tonne. Concurrently, the 3-month offer also declined by USD 10 per tonne or 0.36 per cent, down from USD 2,776 per tonne to USD 2,766 per tonne. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2025 outlook, read “ Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025 ” For the...
Shandong Hontron Aluminum Industry Holding Co., Ltd. experienced a remarkable surge in its stock performance on October 15, 2025, reaching an intraday high even as the broader market faced a downturn. The company has demonstrated impressive annual growth, but it does grapple with some hurdles, including low profitability and concerns about management efficiency. Shandong Hontron Aluminum Industry Holding Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer and exporter based in China, specialising in a wide variety of aluminium products. It offers products like casting coils, cold-rolled coils, household foils, beer wrap foils, pharmaceutical foils, container foils and decorative foils, with exports spanning around 60 countries. The company, which was previously known as Shandong Hongchuang Aluminum Industry...
Al Arabia Company for Manufacturing and Painting Aluminium is gearing up to ramp up its annual exports to over 10,000 tonnes with a strategic makeover. This transformation into a fully integrated industrial complex, complete with cutting-edge production lines and a range of expansion projects, has strengthened its competitive edge in both local and global markets. Tracing back to 2020 Chairperson and Managing Director Ibrahim Al-Batran shared that the company’s growth journey started in 2020. This came in with a significant chunk of his investments from Morocco to Egypt by acquiring the firm. This initiative was all about building a strong industrial player and boosting investor confidence in the Egyptian market. The Director further pointed out that the company has rolled out two new...
London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices posted modest gains on October 17, with improvements seen across cash, three-month, and forward contracts, even as warehouse stocks slightly declined. On October 17, the LME aluminium cash bid price stood at USD 2,789.00 per tonne, up 0.52 per cent from USD 2,774.50 per tonne recorded on October 16. The cash offer price rose 0.52 per cent to USD 2,789.50 per tonne, compared with USD 2,775.00 per tonne previously. The LME aluminium three-month bid price increased 0.69 per cent to USD 2,774.00 per tonne from USD 2,755.00 per tonne, while the three-month offer advanced 0.74 per cent to USD 2,776.00 per tonne, against USD 2,755.50 per tonne on October 16. For the forward contract, the December 26 bid price climbed 1.74 per cent to USD 2,803.00 per...
The Trump administration's efforts to bring aluminium production back to the US are hitting a major roadblock, as fierce competition for energy resources is heating up, especially with the skyrocketing power needs of AI development and the growth of data centres. Aluminium is currently at the crossroads of several significant industrial and economic trends, with a hefty 50 per cent national security tariff in the US. Moreover, the metal is known for being energy-intensive, just as power costs are on the rise and it plays a crucial role in the world of electric vehicles and green energy technologies. Additionally, it's becoming more common in robotics applications and is essential as a heat sink material in the rapidly growing data centre industry. According to the Wall Street Journal,...
