US primary aluminium production edges up 0.6% Y-o-Y in Q1 2026
US primary aluminium production reached 167,000 tonnes in Q1 2026, slightly above a year earlier but 1.2 per cent below the previous quarter. US primary aluminium production remained broadly stable at the start of 2026, with output edging higher from a year earlier even as it slipped slightly from...
US industrial policy needs to be systematic, not just ad hoc – Part 1
Our current approach can win economic skirmishes, but not the geopolitical conflict. – Part 1 After decades during which the very concept was taboo and the reality swept under the rug, the US has now rediscovered industrial policy. But this rediscovery remains incomplete, as too much of it is...
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America Recycles Day – celebrating decades-long recycling journey, with aluminium in the spotlight
November 15 of each year is observed as America Recycles Day – a day dedicated to spreading the message of how recycling can help all of us contribute towards the environment in the littlest way possible by reducing waste, saving energy, and conserving precious resources. And now that individuals...
China to cancel aluminium export tax rebate from December 1, will this lead to trade negotiations with the US?
On Friday, November 15, China’s finance ministry declared its plan to reduce or cancel export tax concessions for a wide range of commodities, including aluminium. As per the report, the measure will be effective from December 1, 2024. Image Source: Made-in-China For certain products like refined...
Alba’s market focus is not limited to Asia, confirms Ali Al Baqali
Ali Al Baqali, the chief executive officer of Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), has reportedly expressed his strong belief in an interview with Mubaseher Info that the company is going to become one of the biggest aluminium companies in the world, targeting diverse markets beyond Asia. Image Source:...
Teamsters urge neutrality from ORBC amid unionisation efforts by employees
The Teamsters are calling on the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) to maintain a neutral stance as employees at five sorting facilities and 27 redemption centres initiate efforts to organise with the union. The OBRC, a non-profit cooperative, is largely funded by Oregon’s Bottle Bill,...
Upstream weekly recap: Donald Trump's return to the White House sparks aluminium industry speculation; Skyrocketing alumina prices drive aluminium cost pressure
This week has brought notable progress in the upstream sector of the aluminium industry, encompassing bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. Australia's Metro Mining sets a new monthly record for bauxite shipments in October, reaching 69.5 per cent of its annual target. A key highlight was the...
Donald Trump 2.0: What is in store for the global aluminium industry?
Donald Trump returning to the White House as the 47th President of the United States after winning the 2024 election against Kamala Harris is already raising speculations about global trade policies and economic measures for the ensuing time. This especially comes after his protectionist regime as...
Decline in the US aluminium crude metal and alloy imports is attributed to UAE and Australia
The year-on-year decline in the United States imports of aluminium crude metal and alloys for consumption, alongside the increase in domestic scrap generation and restrained export volume, indicates the country's intentional shift in focus from primary to secondary aluminium applications. From...
US finds subsidised imports of disposable aluminium containers from China hurt the domestic market
The United States Department of Commerce has reportedly found that government subsidies are giving a lot of undue benefits to domestic companies importing disposable aluminium containers, pans, trays, and lids from China. This, in turn, is causing an unfair trading environment for indigenous...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, October 2024
In October 2024, the LME aluminium prices saw renewed strength despite the headwinds of a stronger US dollar and varied economic indicators from key markets. After reaching a cash-month low of $2,521 per tonne on October 15, prices rebounded to USD $2,617 per tonne by the month's close. A major...
Navigating uncertainty: US elections, economic shifts, and the aluminium industry
AL Circle recently had the privilege of attending the presentation of Mr Uday Patel, Senior Research Manager for Metals and Mining – Aluminium, Wood Mackenzie, at the ICSOBA 2024 conference in Lyon, France. This enlightening session provided valuable insights into the current challenges facing the...
Historic Galesburg aluminium can recycling centre to bow out after four decades, but environmental commitment stays
Galesburg, a city in Knox County, Illinois, United States that has long championed environmental stewardship is preparing to say goodbye to a nearly four-decade institution: G & M Distributors’ aluminium can recycling operation. The facility, set to close on December 1st, has been a fixture since...
Tariffs on aluminium extrusions dismissed: US ITC's decision brings reimbursement for importers
In a rare move, the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) denied countervailing and anti-dumping duties on aluminium extrusion imports from 14 countries, including China, India, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. This ruling effectively halts cases aimed at imposing tariffs on...
CMR bags $500,000 from DOE for its eco-friendly Wind Turbine Recycling Process
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) chose Iowa-based Critical Materials Recycling (CMR) as one of six companies to receive a $500,000 cash prize, along with $100,000 in support from national laboratories. The DOE prize was awarded to Critical Materials Recycling to implement the acid-free...
AI on aluminium recycling spree — Chicago's smart move for higher percentage
An AI robot has been hired to work in Chicago's preliminary recycling sorter and prevent aluminium cans from falling into the landfill pit. Reselling aluminium cans is so much of the apple of the eye in the recycling business that it subsidises the rest of the operation. Even then, Illinois ranks...
Alcoa Corporation welcomes final regulations on Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit
Alcoa Corporation welcomes the U.S. Treasury Department’s final regulations on the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). As recognised by the Administration, Section 45X is an important tool for shoring up domestic manufacturing...
Kodak's call for tariffs answered: US to impose hefty duties on imported aluminium printing plates
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has confirmed significant tariffs on imported aluminium printing plates from China and Japan, responding to concerns that unfairly low-priced imports are harming the lone remaining US producer, Kodak. The tariffs are expected to impact around...
Century Aluminum backs Biden's push for U.S. critical mineral production under the Inflation Reduction Act
Global metals and mining company focused on bauxite, alumina, and aluminium, Century Aluminum, commends the Biden Administration for finalising the guidance on the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (Section 45X of the Inflation Reduction Act). This pivotal move strengthens U.S. production of...
Building a greener future with year-long aluminium recycling competition in US schools
A national competition for collecting aluminium cans while learning about sustainability has sparked a hands-on approach to the environmental study regime of Logan County school students. The competition, which has successfully gathered over 2 million disposed cans, has been organised by Logan...
