The proposed $4 billion Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) smelter, a joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum, is targeting civil works in the second quarter of 2027, with first hot metal expected between mid- and late 2030. Realization of the 750,000-metric-ton project would render it the first new US primary aluminum smelter in nearly 50 years. However, local restrictions, environmental permitting and ongoing legal hurdles clouded its path towards maintaining the construction timeline. A local moratorium and an April 7 ballot sit on the same calendar. 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 ” A...
Vietnamese aluminium businesses are seeking a reduction in export duties to zero, arguing that the current tax rules put domestic suppliers at a disadvantage compared with imported materials. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has raised concerns over a proposal to cut export duties on unwrought aluminium, bars, rods, profiles and wire to 1 per cent from 5 per cent. The proposed duty on aluminium plates, sheets and strip in coils would be reduced to zero. Citing feedback from the Vietnam Aluminium Profile Association and businesses, VCCI said the proposed 1 per cent rate would bring little revenue to the state budget while leaving companies with administrative requirements, including tax declarations, payments, guarantees and post-clearance inspections. The chamber also...
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On April 27, 2025, Alba (Aluminium Bahrain) announced their adaptation of the AI-powered analytics platform Seeq, the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East with such cutting-edge technology. This has been done in a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia's Crucial Solutions and Services (CSS) to witness seamless integration. Image source: LinkedIn.com Why Seeq? Seeq is an advanced analytics platform designed for process manufacturing industries, enabling users to rapidly analyse and visualise time series data from various sources to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability and profitability. On this strategic partnership, Ali Al Baqali, the CEO of Alba said, "Since its inception in 1971, Alba has always been synonymous with scale and quality. Today, we are adding another...
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vedanta Ltd’s Aluminium Business, has taken over as Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Odisha State Council for the 2025-26 term. Gupta previously served as the Council’s Vice Chairman during 2024-25 . Meanwhile, Suresha G, Executive Director (Odisha Assets Operation) at AM/NS India, has been appointed as the new Vice Chairman. The announcements were made during CII Odisha’s annual day event last month. “CII aims to catalyse inclusive economic progress across the state by expanding its operations, particularly in western Odisha, and partnering closely with the government. We will also focus on strengthening the industrial ecosystem by promoting green building certification, enhancing export potential, and improving...
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, US President Donald Trump signaled a possible easing of trade tensions with China, boosting market sentiment. As a result, aluminium price has grown in India by 1.32 per cent to INR 234.5 (USD 2.75). The optimism in the market has further been evoked by Trump’s announcement that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell would continue in his position. However, despite the uptick in market sentiment, the aluminium gains have witnessed a restrained growth, largely due to a stronger US dollar, which typically weighs on commodity prices. Additionally, concerns over a global oversupply because of growing aluminium production amid weaker consumption in some parts of the world have kept price movement relatively range-bound. Globally, aluminium production is showing an...
The aluminium industry is riding a wave of contrasts—soaring highs and unexpected lows—making it an especially captivating space right now. The sector has been buzzing with a string of major developments, each shaping the narrative in its own unique way. Amidst the ongoing tariff tension, India's decision to revive the 'zero-for-zero' concept served as a breath of fresh air. Backed by its industrial sector, India is advocating for tariff-free trade on aluminium, steel, and automobiles as part of a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. To know more, click here. The Indian government is reportedly set to begin bilateral trade talks with the United States on April 23, 2025, aiming to resolve the longstanding issue of the 25 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel...
For the past two decades, China has dominated the global aluminium landscape with unparalleled force. From producing just 4 million tonnes in 2004, the country now commands a staggering 43 million tonnes of primary aluminium smelting capacity, accounting for 60 per cent of the world’s total. But now, in 2025, the dragon appears to be nearing its limits. As China approaches its government-imposed production ceiling with a 2.6 per cent growth rate during the first quarter of the calendar year, a monumental shift is on the horizon — one that could recalibrate global supply chains, trade dynamics, and pricing structures. Image for representational purposes If China’s aluminium production growth rate progresses in a similar pattern, the national production will reach 44 million tonnes, just...
Alcoa, the Pittsburgh-based aluminium giant, is preparing to absorb up to USD 90 million costs this quarter (Q2) as a result of tariff impact. Yes, you read that correctly! Despite being a US-headquartered aluminium manufacturer, the company is preparing for the financial hit from these tariffs. And it doesn’t end there. Alcoa is expecting this steep cost after posting a strong performance in Q1, with a double net income of USD 548 million. The truth is Alcoa has already experienced a cost of USD 20 million since the tariff being implemented by the US government. Why? Because Alcoa’s 70 per cent of the aluminium production takes place in Canada, which is now subject to Donald Trump’s 25 per cent import duty. Alcoa’s CEO William Oplinger analysed that this quarterly cost equates to an...
In a recent development for the London Metal Exchange’s (LME’s) Asian strategy, the announcement of its approval of the first four warehouse facilities in Hong Kong in April 2025 floated in the trading market. These newly approved warehouses, operated by a trio of company pairs, are slated to commence storing LME-warranted metal within three months of the announcement. This expansion marks a notable step for the LME, particularly considering its acquisition by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) in 2012. This AI-generated image is for referential purposes only The central question that arises from this decision is why the LME, who facilitate trillions of dollars in transactions annually across numerous approved metals, including aluminium, copper, and zinc, chose Hong Kong, a...
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including on aluminium, from the White House Rose Garden. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on April 22 that these tariffs threaten global growth. The IMF lowered its global economic forecast due to rising trade tensions and policy unpredictability. Image for representational purposes only Trump’s baseline 10 per cent tariff on aluminium and additional 245 per cent duties on China have triggered global concern. Though some tariffs are paused, such as the “reciprocal” ones on major trade partners like the EU, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan until July for bilateral deal talks, key sectors, including aluminium and steel, remain affected. The IMF highlighted that these moves could unsettle trade flows and undercut...
The International Aluminium Institute has revealed the world’s primary aluminium production for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting a year-on-year increase of 1.34 per cent. But if compared to the growth rate of last year, it is about a 3 per cent less. In Q1 2024, the world primary aluminium production was 17.869 million tonnes, up by 4.31 per cent from 17.131 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. Let’s delve into why global primary aluminium production experienced a slower growth rate in Q1 2025, examine the total output during this period, and assess whether it aligns with the industry’s outlook for the year. 1. Q1 2025 production In the first quarter of 2025, the world primary aluminium production was 18.108 million tonnes, compared to 17.869 million...
Just when we thought ‘zero-for-zero’ was gathering dust in the diplomatic archives, India is breathing new life into the idea, and this time, the country is refusing to take no for an answer. Indian industry is rallying for tariff-free trade on aluminium, steel, and autos through a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. And aluminium, the often-overlooked metal powering everything from EVs to skyscrapers, is quietly hoping for its moment in the sun. Image Source: https://www.cfr.org/ According to a publication by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, officials suggested that the zero-for-zero offer could potentially aid in fast-tracking the proposed BTA between the bipartisan, which may, in turn, pave the way for rolling back the 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on...
India Government is reportedly initiating a bilateral trade talk with the United States to address the 25 per cent tariff concern on aluminium and steel exports, scheduled on April 23, 2025. The move follows India’s approach to the World Trade Organization, arguing the Trump administration’s tariff move was a safeguard measure rather than genuine national security concerns. Image source: Adobe Stock India's complaint at WTO Seven years after the initial dispute, India once again approached the World Trade Organization, requesting consultations with the United States over tariffs reminiscent of those imposed in 2018. At that time, the US had introduced a 25 per cent tariff on steel and a 10 per cent on aluminium, citing national security concerns as justification for protecting its...
In light of recent media speculation over the past few weeks—including reports concerning a proposal from Mr James Cameron to acquire Eurasian Resources Group (ERG)—Mr Shukhrat Ibragimov, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of ERG, has clarified that there are no ongoing negotiations regarding the sale of the company. Sole producer of high-grade aluminium in Kazakhstan, the group is also one of the major suppliers of copper and cobalt. Mr Shukhrat Ibragimov affirmed that the company's leadership remains fully committed to ERG's long-term, sustainable growth. At the end of 2024, the Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan focused on advancing the Group's development and investing further in its operations, which the company is actively executing. In Africa, ERG's copper...
Premier Energies, a prominent producer of solar modules and cells, has announced the incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary, Premier Energies GWC Private Limited. As per the regulatory filing, this new subsidiary will focus on the manufacturing and processing of silicon ingots and wafers using advanced technologies for solar cell applications. Aluminum contributes significantly to the manufacturing of silicon ingots and wafers, serving both as a dopant and in various bonding and coating applications. During ingot growth, aluminium can be introduced to modify the electrical characteristics of the silicon, tailoring it for specific semiconductor functions. The newly formed subsidiary has been established with an authorised share capital of INR 1 million, comprising 100,000 equity shares...
The United States’ 2024 aluminium market has further demonstrated a clear shift from primary to secondary sector, as evidenced by a Y-o-Y drop in primary metal production and a rise in scrap recovery. According to the United States Geological Survey, the country’s primary aluminium production recorded a decline of 9.92 per cent from 750,000 tonnes in 2023 to 675,600 tonnes in 2024, while its scrap recovery increase by 4.83 per cent from 3.31 million tonnes to 3.47 million tonnes. Monthly production trend While analysing the monthly trend this year, it is observed that the United States primary aluminium production ranged between 52,000 and 57,000 tonnes, following a peak in the first month of the year amounting to 63,000 tonnes. Similarly, scrap recovery was mostly around 292,000 to...
2025 can be called as the year of trade, tariffs and war. This week or that week, the tariff implications are growing stronger and more tensed with each passing day. The latest salvo being Scott Bessent’s statement that “all options are on the table,” including the potential delisting of Chinese companies from U.S. stock exchanges. This holds the potential to send shockwaves through the global aluminium industry. To know more about how this decision could become a turning point for Indian & non-Chinese aluminium producers click here . This is not just it- as per the latest information, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs of up to 245 per cent on a broad array of Chinese imports . Combined with the existing 25 per cent levy, Chinese aluminium and steel...
In response to India’s complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on April 11 , labelling the US tariffs as safeguard measures, the United States countered by asserting that the tariffs were imposed on national security grounds, not as safeguards. Image source: Wikipedia The Trump administration office further justified its tariff move by stating that it was carried out under Section 232 of US trade law, which authorises the President to restrict imports that threaten national and economic security. The US government said, “The President imposed the tariffs on steel and aluminium pursuant to Section 232, under which the President determined that tariffs are necessary to adjust imports of steel and aluminium articles that threaten to impair the national security of the US.” Let’s know...
According to the customs data, in March 2025, China witnessed a 10.6 per cent decline in aluminium imports, including unwrought aluminium and aluminium products, year-on-year to 340,000 tonnes. Image source: IndiaMART In March 2024, China’s primary aluminium imports surged by 246 per cent year-on-year, reaching 249,000 tonnes. During the same period, imports of unwrought aluminium also rose by 89.8 per cent year-on-year. In 2024, Russia accounted for the largest share of China’s primary aluminium imports at 46.5 per cent, followed by India at 10 per cent. In the first quarter of 2025, China’s total aluminium and product imports amounted to 950,000 tonnes, whereas in the entire year of 2024, it stood at 3,747,070.84 tonnes. However, China’s Q1 imports reflect a 14 per cent decline compared...
In a recent comment, He Zhigang, Deputy General Manager of Henan Mingtai Al. Industrial Co. said that China’s producers are “numb to tariffs,” citing years of trade restrictions imposed by Western countries. He added that demand for the metal produced in China remains strong due to its competitiveness. “It just needs a bit of time to overcome this round of anti-dumping from the US,” Mr Zhigang said at the industry conference. But, where does such an upper-hand statement stem from? As a matter of fact, the numbers are volatile when it comes to trade (especially exports) for the Asian country. Image courtesy: The Project Twins (Image for representational purposes only) According to the data provided by the International Aluminium Institute, the estimated total primary aluminium production...
