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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By the end of 2025, Vedanta Aluminium, one of the world's leading aluminium producers, is set to open a new casthouse with a 62 per cent reduction in carbon emissions. The project is being initiated by collaborating with Gail Gas, who will supply its 430kt per year Cathouse 4 at Jharsuguda. Image source: refra.com The partnership aims to ensure a stable supply of natural gas for the fuel operations of its casthouse, which is designed to produce 259kt per year of billet and 180kt per year of value-added products. With a target to commence the operation by the end of 2025, the partnered company will develop a 7.5 km pipeline, ensuring a direct supply of gas to the new facility. As reported by the company in its latest financial note, it is estimated that the new casthouse will draw nearly...
The UAE’s largest industrial firm, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), announced the commencement of hot metal production at pilot reduction cells for EX, its next-generation aluminium smelting technology. With this, EGA has taken a pioneering step towards the goal that demands industrial innovation to be aligned with decarbonisation objectives. This development is noteworthy – not only for its technical advancement over DX+ Ultra but also for its long-term strategic goal of building the most self-sufficient, energy-efficient, and low-carbon aluminium smelter in the world by 2028. Image source: EGA EX is the tenth-generation smelting technology of EGA and is a daring combination of automation powered by AI, sustainability, and productivity. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, said on this...
Some Japanese aluminium buyers have settled third-quarter premiums at USD 108 per tonne, down sharply from USD 182 per tonne in the second quarter, in a deal that reflects muted domestic demand, rising port inventories, and broader market oversupply, according to sources directly involved in the negotiations. Image for referential purposes only The 41 per cent quarter-on-quarter decline is the second consecutive drop and the lowest quarterly premium since early 2024, underscoring Japan’s ongoing demand uncertainty across major end-use segments like transportation, construction, and packaging. Buyers gain upper hand as spot deals undercut producers’ offers Negotiations, which concluded last week, saw initial producer offers range between USD122 and USD 145 per tonne. However, Japanese...
Axaeon Enterprises and Sunstone Development have formed a joint venture to commercialise Axaeon's Lazar Continuous Carbon Baking Furnace (Lazar CCBF). The initiative will leverage Sunstone's expertise in supplying pre-baked anodes to the aluminium industry to support the successful rollout of the Lazar CCBF. A Continuous Carbon Baking Furnace is an industrial furnace used in the aluminium industry to bake carbon anodes, which are crucial for the electrolysis process. Unlike traditional batch methods, this furnace enables a continuous baking process, resulting in higher anode quality, lower production costs, and improved sustainability. "Axaeon's work to date makes us confident that the Lazar CCBF will fundamentally change the [carbon-baking] industry through its significant financial...
The biggest announcement in the Industrial Strategy, the British Industry Supercharger expanded to give up to 90 per cent relief on electricity network charges, up from the previous 60 per cent,a significant milestone for over 7,000 energy-intensive businesses. For the aluminium processors and producers alone, energy is a high proportion of their operating costs. “Energy competitiveness is a defining issue for the aluminium sector. Without decisive support, producers and processors across the UK risk becoming globally unviable,” noted Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED. Image source: ALFED However, as Bloxsome also cautioned, “The Supercharger expansion is a major step forward, but we now need urgent clarity on who qualifies, how SMEs can benefit, and how this aligns with future emissions...
Countries like India, among others, ask for a reprieve when exporting but impose tariffs on imports to safeguard their domestic industries. Could such practices complicate international trade dynamics or be perceived as ‘conflicted’ by global partners? A lot of questions cloud the mind when delving into such geopolitical and trading diplomacy. In today’s editorial, we break down, stance by stance, what has been happening and how these acts have impacted country after country in overall development for decades. Image Source: https://okcredit.in/ India’s economic diplomacy , a part of the foreign policy framework, has been marked by securing trade agreements, attracting foreign investments and strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties with key global players. And tariffs/taxes have...
There was a time when LME aluminium inventory (opening stock) was at 1.47 million tonnes. Only four years ago in July 2021, Live Warrants were at 8,97,275 tonnes and Cancelled Warrants at 5,68,500 tonnes. Fast-forward four years, LME aluminium opening stock came in at 340,975 tonnes, marking a sharp fall of more than half. While stock loss is one concern, the other is the slim chance of stock build-up in the near future, due to which the LME aluminium benchmark price would remain on the upward trend. Already, by June 23, 2025, the LME aluminium 3-month official settlement price reached USD 2,584.50 per tonne, up by 6 per cent M-o-M from USD 2,448 per tonne, driven by decreased LME aluminium opening stock from 384,575 tonnes to 340,975 tonnes. Of the total 340,975 tonnes of opening stocks,...
Constellium is proud to announce that it has been recognised with three awards at the 2025 edition of Airbus’ Supply Chain & Quality Improvement Program (SQIP), held in early June. The program honours suppliers that consistently deliver excellence in their quality & delivery performance and industrial maturity. Image source: constellium.com Constellium’s facilities in Issoire and Montreuil-Juigné were honoured for their significant contributions to Airbus’ supply chain: Issoire – Accredited Supplier Award For the second consecutive year, the Issoire plant received the “Accredited Supplier” award – the highest Airbus SQIP program distinction. This recognition highlights the facility’s sustained excellence and reliability over time with regard to performance. Issoire – Sustainability...
The aluminium industry is evolving—and fast. From automation and AI to smart recycling and intelligent casting, innovation is reshaping how we produce, process, and sustain this essential metal. At the heart of this transformation are the machines, technologies, and engineering minds quietly powering progress behind the scenes. That’s exactly what AL Circle celebrates in the 31st edition of its e-Magazine publication, “ Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry .” This isn’t just another round-up of equipment. It’s a deep dive into the technology shaping aluminium’s next decade. Inside this edition This issue brings together some of the most respected and forward-thinking companies in the aluminium machinery and automation space: EPIQ Machinery explores the shift toward...
India’s commerce ministry will convene a meeting on June 27 with key stakeholders, including shipping lines, exporters, container firms, and other departments, to assess the impact of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict on India’s overseas trade. According to an official source, the objective is to evaluate disruptions and address emerging concerns tied to the region’s geopolitical instability. Image for referential purposes only (Source: Google Map) The escalating conflict has already triggered civilian casualties, economic damage, and strained international relations. For India, the implications are not just diplomatic but directly commercial, particularly given the importance of regional trade routes. The Strait of Hormuz: India’s trade lifeline The Strait of Hormuz, flanking Iran and...
Over the past few years, Russia has ramped up its aluminium exports to China and other Asian economies. According to the latest trade data by the Chinese Statistical Service, China imported USD 612.1 million worth of Russian aluminium in April 2025 alone, which accounts for close to double the figure recorded in April 2024. This surge has pushed Russia’s share into Chinese aluminium imports to 39.5 per cent, up significantly from 22.7 per cent a year earlier. Between January and April 2025, China purchased a total of USD 2.05 billion worth of aluminium from Russia, marking a 1.5× increase compared to the same period in 2024. Image for representational purposes only This spike is not just in monetary terms but also in physical volumes. In April 2025, China’s imports of primary aluminium...
With a view to reducing the gap between industrial practice and academics, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) successfully hosted a two-day aluminium metallurgy workshop at VNIT and JNARDC campuses. The workshop was held on June 21-22 and witnessed the presence of industry professionals, researchers, and academia, reflecting an endeavour of collective unity in improving India's manufacturing capability. The workshop, 'Aluminium – Metallurgy and Advanced Techniques in Casting and Heat Treatment (AL-MATCH)', was a fusion of experience and in-depth scientific know-how. Over 75 delegates from manufacturers, foundries, and extrusion houses gathered at the two campuses in Nagpur. Though similar...
Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, expressed confidence that the two countries could successfully reach a trade agreement within the 30-day deadline set during last week's G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. This was announced right after a disappointing outcome at the G7 summit, where Canada had signalled to take stricter action against the US. Hillman stated it is "too soon to tell" whether all US tariffs on Canadian goods will be lifted and declined to clarify whether the federal government would accept the continuation of any tariffs. She emphasised that Canada is advocating for "open trade and stability" to support Canadian workers and businesses. "We can't do anything to force the US side to come to a deal, but we do think we have a good path forward if we're...
Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, met with Irina Kazovskaya, Chairwoman of the Russian Aluminium Association, to explore avenues for cooperation during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, according to Trend, citing the Kyrgyz Cabinet. Image credit: eaeunion.org The meeting also included top officials from RUSAL, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers. Discussions centred on innovative aluminium projects currently underway in Russia and abroad. These initiatives involve cutting-edge aluminium applications used extensively in infrastructure development, including bridges, roads and metal structures. Alongside the presentation of these projects, both sides exchanged views on the broader prospects for the aluminium...
Following a disappointing outcome at the G7 summit, Canada has signaled to adopt a tougher stance against the United States, as a renewed trade standoff threatens to unravel years of economic integration under the USMCA. Initially, the G7 platform had reignited a hope for the cooperative spirit that led to the 2020 USMCA trade pact, often dubbed “NAFTA 2.0”, but eventually concluded without any resolution on escalating tariff tensions. As a result, Canada is preparing to implement further retaliatory measures against the US, responding to Washington’s planned 50 per cent tariff hike on Canadian goods scheduled to take effect on July 9, 2025. At the heart of the dispute lies the inability of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump to reconcile differences on...
China’s wrought and unwrought aluminium imports in May 2025 displayed a reverse pattern compared to April. In May, imports rose year-on-year but declined month-on-month, while April had shown the opposite — higher imports than the previous month but lower than the same period in 2024. According to the General Administration of Customs, China’s wrought and unwrought aluminium imports in May 2025 were 350,000 tonnes, up by 14.7 per cent in May and down by 5.4 per cent from 370,000 tonnes. In contrast, the import volume in April , standing at 350,000 tonnes, was up by 2.94 per cent M-o-M from 340,000 tonnes but down by 7.89 per cent from 380,000 tonnes. In the first five months of 2025, China’s wrought and unwrought aluminium imports totalled 1.67 million tonnes, down by 12.08 per cent from...
Anil Agarwal, the Chairman of Indian mining conglomerate Vedanta Limited, has divulged the intention to position itself as a global leader in the transition metals, energy, technology and critical minerals, dubbed "Vedanta 2.0" for the next growth phase. The firm has also announced its FY25 recorded revenue and EBITDA, future growth plans and demerger progress. Image source: linkedin.com While addressing the stakeholders about the group's annual report, Mr Agarwal highlighted its position at a pivotal inflexion point, backed by a record financial performance, robust cost leadership and the near-completion of its value-unlocking demerger exercise. He further emphasised the importance of the group's organisational realignment, greater focus on vertical integration and its expanding role in...
Major Indian aluminium companies have faced a sharp decline in their share prices on June 19, with the Nifty Metal index falling below 0.5 per cent. Today, Hindalco Industries' share fell by 0.76 per cent at the closing, and NALCO’s by 2.87 per cent. Current geopolitical tensions, strong US dollars, and profit-taking are the significant causes of the decline in stock prices. Hindalco share price analysis On June 19, Hindalco Industries' closing price was recorded at INR 639.50 (USD 7.66) after opening the market at INR 643 (USD 7.70) reaching the highest price at INR 644.70 (USD 7.72). The previous day, the market opened at INR 643.85 (USD 7.71) and closed at INR 644.40 (USD 7.71), with the highest price reaching INR 646.85 (USD 7.75). A difference of 0.34 per cent is seen between today’s...
