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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Two environmental breach cases involving bauxite producer UC Rusal will proceed as separate trials, following a recent ruling by the St. Catherine Parish Court. Image for representational purpose On Tuesday, Acting Senior Parish Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle informed both parties that the court could not grant the application for joinder, which sought to combine the two cases. The matters involve alleged violations of Section 11 of the Wild Life Protection Act. The charges stem from incidents on August 1, 2021, and July 26, 2022, when trade effluent from UC Rusal reportedly contaminated a nearby waterway. Initially, the 2021 matter was scheduled to begin on July 7. Still, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) submitted additional information and, on July 15, applied to...
Aluminium price on July 24 witnessed slight growth, with both cash bid price and offer price moving up by USD 3 per tonne and USD 1.5 per tonne. The prices closed at USD 2,646 per tonne and USD 2,646.5 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price moved up by USD 1.5 per tonne or 0.05 per cent to settle at USD 2,648 per tonne and USD 2,648.50 per tonne. December 26 bid price and December 26 offer price ascended by USD 8 per tonne or o.29 per cent to peg at USD 2,678 per tonne and USD 2,683 per tonne. LME aluminium 3-month Asian Reference Price, on the other hand dipped by USD 4 per tonne or 0.15 per cent to clock at USD 2,647 per tonne. LME warehouse data showed a slight build in stocks. The opening stock came in at 448,100 tonnes from 4448,00 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled...
Century Aluminum Company, a prominent US producer of primary aluminium, announces that the private placement of USD 400 million of 6.875 per cent senior secured notes due August 2032 has closed, solidifying the company's capital structure and extending debt maturity. The offering is viewed as a compelling opportunity to solidify the company's capital structure given current market conditions. Key financial details of the secured notes offering The notes were issued at par, or 100 per cent of the total principal amount, and will pay interest semi-annually starting on February 1, 2026. The net proceeds are about USD 395 million after deducting purchaser discounts, commissions and expenses related to the offering. Century has specified the purposes for the proceeds: to refinance its existing...
South32, a leading global mining and metals company, has announced that two of its aluminium operations exceeded production targets in FY25. Notably, Brazil Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium, two of the company's key smelters, have surpassed their targets by 6 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, reflecting strong operational performance and continued efficiency improvements. What's the secret behind this rapid growth in aluminium production? Image source: south32.net Following the restart of operations, the Brazil Aluminium smelter recorded a 30 per cent increase in saleable production in Q2 FY25, reflecting a substantial ramp-up. Similarly, Mozal Aluminium achieved a 13% rise in saleable output during the same period, despite challenges posed by civil unrest in Mozambique and ongoing...
A potential settlement is expected to be reached in a class-action lawsuit filed against Century Aluminium over the release of alumina dust in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The incident, which occurred in October 2023, stemmed from an equipment failure at Century Aluminium’s Goose Creek plant. The malfunction in the facility’s bag room led to the release of alumina dust, a white, powder-like byproduct of the aluminium-making process, into the surrounding environment. State health officials investigated the matter and determined that the substance was non-hazardous. However, nearby residents reported experiencing health issues such as bloody noses, sinus problems and shortness of breath following the incident. In response, affected residents filed a class-action lawsuit against the...
Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) saw a slight increase on July 23, with both cash and 3-month contract rates moving up from the previous day. The LME aluminium cash bid price rose to USD 2,643 per tonne, up 0.19 per cent from USD 2,638 per tonne on July 22. The cash offer price also climbed to USD 2,645 per tonne, a 0.25 per cent increase from the previous day's USD 2,638.5 per tonne. Similarly, the 3-month bid price advanced by 0.32 per cent, moving from USD 2,638 per tonne to USD 2,646.50 per tonne, while the 3-month offer price inched up 0.27 per cent to USD 2,647 per tonne, compared to USD 2,640 per tonne a day earlier. In the longer-dated contracts, the December 26 bid price rose slightly to USD 2,670 per tonne, up 0.07 per cent from USD 2,668 per tonne, and...
RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB Research) has reaffirmed its OVERWEIGHT rating on the Basic Materials sector, placing Press Metal Aluminium Holdings (PMAH) as its top pick amid improving fundamentals for aluminium smelters. The research house is optimistic about the sector’s trajectory, supported by falling input costs, stable demand, and tight global supply even as US-imposed tariffs inject some uncertainty. Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) have shown resilience, rebounding to around USD2,600 per tonne after dipping to USD2,300 in April post-tariffs. RHB expects aluminium prices to remain firm over the next three years, underpinned by capped output in China and energy-related delays in European smelter expansions. A key driver of improved margins for producers like PMAH,...
Surging demand for aluminium in China has brought renewed attention to the most-traded aluminium contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). On Tuesday, SHFE aluminium prices reached their highest level since November, signalling a potential upward trend driven by China's intensified focus on industrial growth and increased metals consumption. After reaching a previous high on November 12, 2024, SHFE aluminium surged again on July 22, 2025, rising by 0.75 per cent to RMB 20,900 (USD 2,913.26) per tonne as of 0702 GMT. In parallel, SHFE alumina (SAOcv1) climbed 4.23 per cent to RMB 3,452 (USD 480.67) per tonne, the highest level since February 26, 2025. As of July 18, aluminium inventories at SHFE-monitored warehouses (AL-STX-SGH) stood at 108,822 tonnes, reflecting the lowest level...
Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), one of the largest Vedanta Aluminium subsidiaries, has launched its new 'Quality Sankalp' programme, a top-level programme to emphasise its commitment towards manufacturing excellence and world-class product quality. The programme, launched this week, aims at improving quality-oriented processes across the entire value chain, right from raw material sourcing to dispatch of finished aluminium products. A search for perfect quality control - the 'Zero Defect' goal "Sankalp", a Hindi word for a strong commitment or resolve, is a reflection of the renewed emphasis of the company in fostering a quality culture among all employees and business partners. The endeavour aims to fulfil and excel in the new top priority of customers in high-risk sectors such as...
Japan’s top trade envoy, Ryosei Akazawa, clarified on Wednesday in Washington that the recently announced US-Japan trade agreement does not waive or reduce the existing 50 per cent tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminium exports to the United States. Image for representational purposes “If you are asking whether the deal includes steel and aluminium, it does not,” Akazawa stated, underscoring that the substantial tariffs will remain in place. This clarification comes amid broader developments in the trade landscape, as the wider deal announced by President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba slashes tariffs on Japanese auto and other exports to 15 per cent, down from an earlier 25 per cent threat. However, it explicitly excludes steel and aluminium, which remain under the harsh 50 per cent...
On Tuesday, July 22, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price moved down by USD 10.5 per tonne or 0.39 per cent to settle at USD 2,638 per tonne and USD 2,638.50 per tonne. As per the London Metal Exchange (LME) price graph, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price lost USD 6 per tonne or 0.22 per cent to peg at USD 2,638 per tonne and USD 2,640 per tonne. On the same day, December 26 bid price and December 26 offer price dipped by USD 5 per tonne or 0.18 per cent to settle at USD 2,668 per tonne and USD 2,673 per tonne. Also Read: Aluminium offer price hits $2,649/t on LME as market trends upward LME aluminium opening stock came in at 438,450 tonnes after adding 4,025 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled warrants closed at 428,475 tonnes and 9975...
National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) gained market interest by rising 2.07 per cent in the day’s trade to finish at INR 192 (USD 2.23) on July 22, 2025. This indicates NALCO's continuing positive trend, which had clocked a monthly gain of 4.23 per cent, outstripping the BSE Metal index at a gain of 3.94 per cent and the SENSEX, which declined by 0.59 per cent in the same time period. The BSE Metal index had also moved in a positive direction, increasing by 0.44 per cent to INR 31,599.08 (USD 366.29) today, with Vedanta Ltd up 1.1 per cent and Hindalco Industries Ltd up 0.96 per cent in a similar period as NALCO. So, while other indices in the metal sector also gained, NALCO was showing a stronger trend. Recent trading patterns show strong investor interest The current price movement is...
Amid an uncertain market trend across the globe, Norsk Hydro from Norway has managed to show resilience in its fiscal Q2 2025 performance, supported by firm aluminium and energy prices. The company reported a 33.41 per cent year-on-year increase in adjusted EBITDA, reaching NOK 7,790 million from NOK 5,839 million. However, beneath these headline numbers lies a more nuanced narrative that reveals both strengths and vulnerabilities shaping Hydro’s strategic trajectory. Caution behind confidence While Hydro’s annual EBITDA growth is noteworthy, the sequential figures suggest growing headwinds. Adjusted EBITDA declined 18.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter from NOK 9,516 million. Revenue followed a similar trend, contracting by7 per cent from Q1, although it still rose 4.26 per cent Y-o-Y to NOK...
The future of Mozambique’s Mozal Aluminium Smelter is under a cloud, with South32 set to write down the value of its majority stake due to unresolved power supply issues. After six years of unsuccessful negotiations for a new electricity agreement, the company now faces growing doubts over the smelter’s long-term viability. Image credit: South32 The company said it will record an impairment charge in its 2025 financial results, citing rising uncertainty over the smelter’s operations beyond March 2026. Aluminium production is highly power-dependent, and without a new, affordable supply agreement in place, South32 is reassessing Mozal’s long-term value. South32 stated, “We have been working with the government of Mozambique, HCB, and Eskom for the last six years to secure electricity supply...
As the Trump administration pushes ahead with plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Japanese imports including vehicles, steel, and aluminium from August 1, Japan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are gearing up for impact. Image for representational purpose Tokyo-based Mitsuwa Electric, a 92-year-old precision parts maker led by Yuji Miyazaki, is one such firm. Despite the rising trade tensions, Miyazaki remains optimistic that his firm can weather the disruption. Miyazaki told AFP, “We are providing very specialised products for specialised industries, where it is difficult to change suppliers or supplying countries just because of boosted tariffs. I’m not worried too much, because if American companies can’t produce parts on their own, they have no choice but to import those...
Aluminium gained ground on the LME between July 18 and July 21, with key contract prices rising over 2 per cent amid steady demand and marginal inventory increases. The LME aluminium cash bid price climbed 2.22 per cent to USD 2,648.50 per tonne on July 21, compared to USD 2,591 per tonne on July 18. The cash offer price followed closely, rising from USD 2,591.50 per tonne to USD 2,649 per tonne. Prices for the 3-month contract strengthened as well. The bid increased by 1.89 per cent to USD 2,644 per tonne, while the offer rose 1.93 per cent to USD 2,646 per tonne, up from USD 2,595 per tonne and USD 2,596 per tonne respectively. Longer-dated contracts also saw gains. The December 26 bid price rose 1.44 per cent to USD 2,673 per tonne, while the offer moved up to USD 2,678 per tonne, from...
In response to India's earlier warning about imposing retaliatory tariffs if the US doubled duties on aluminium, steel, and automobile imports, Washington has pushed back. On July 17, 2025, the US told the World Trade Organization (WTO) that India has "no legal basis" to retaliate using safeguard measures. US dismisses India’s WTO appeal In a notification to the WTO’s Safeguards Committee, India previously conveyed its concerns that the US safeguard tariffs on steel and aluminium revised in February 2025 could impact USD 7.6 billion worth of Indian exports with duties totalling USD 3.82 billion. And tariffs on automobiles and parts could impact USD 2.89 billion worth of trade with duties of USD 723.75 million. However, the US responded strongly in a communication circulated at its...
A new development has surfaced in the US–Canada trade relationship. As of July 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a potential revision of the existing 25 per cent retaliatory tariff on US aluminium and steel products. This move is contingent upon the outcome of trade negotiations between the two nations and if no agreement is reached within the next 30 days, the tariff structure will be reassessed. The announcement follows a formal policy update issued in July, establishing a conditional framework to guide tariff adjustments based on the progress and direction of ongoing bilateral discussions. A throwback to the ongoing trade tension between the US and Canada The trade tensions between the US and Canada escalated when the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian...
