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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Western allies demand China tackle solar panel overcapacity to avert trade war
China's rapid expansion in solar panel manufacturing has been a catalyst for the global clean-energy transition. On one hand, the nation's industrial prowess has dramatically lowered the costs of solar panels, making renewable energy more accessible worldwide. This positive aspect of China's...
Climate Commitment Act fuels Kaiser Aluminum's $9.6 million boiler upgrade
The state of Washington has allocated nearly $5 million to the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Spokane Valley to aid in replacing two outdated steam boilers. This initiative, under the Climate Commitment Act, aims to substantially reduce the plant's greenhouse gas emissions, marking a noteworthy step in...
Thailand emerges as the second-highest importer of aluminium scrap from US, replacing India
In February 2024, there was a notable shift in the export dynamics of US aluminium scrap, according to the United States Geological Survey. Previously, India held the position of second-highest export destination until January 2024. But subsequently, Thailand emerged as the second top importer of...
US begins investigation of ArcelorMittal complaint over high-strength aluminium coated steel patents violation
On Monday, May 20, the United States International Trade Commission notified that it started investigating a complaint filed by ArcelorMittal related to the violation of patents by Vietnamese automaker VinFast. According to ArcelorMittal, a Luxembourg-based multinational steel manufacturing...
Primary aluminium weekly: Joe Biden’s spiked tariff strategy for China; Alba's presents mixed Q1 2024 results amid economic challenges
In a series of pivotal moves, the aluminium industry has witnessed significant developments, from tariff impositions by the United States to technological advancements by major global players. President Joe Biden's decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports, Alba's financial results amid...
Biden's tariff hike on China may offer Indian aluminium exporters a golden opportunity
In a significant move, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced a sharp tariff increase on $18 billion worth of Chinese goods. This policy shift opens a substantial window of opportunity for India to boost its exports to the American market. Industry experts and market analysts highlight that India...
Canada refuses to harbour Chinese aluminium and steel amidst impending US tariffs
In response to the United States' decision to hike tariffs on Chinese aluminium and steel, Canada has made a firm commitment to shield its market from becoming a secondary channel for diverted Chinese products. As the U.S. increases tariffs on specific Chinese imports to 25% from 7.5%, affecting...
Joe Biden boosts import tariffs on Chinese goods including aluminium to restore fair domestic market; Century Aluminum applauds decision
United States President Joe Biden has reportedly increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, batteries, steel, solar cells, and aluminium, aiming to protect American manufacturers from unfair trade practices and prices and paving the way for a more competitive domestic market. As per the...
Germany turns to the US as primary trade ally
According to Reuters' analysis of the German Federal Statistical Office data, the United States emerged as Germany's primary trading ally in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing China. From January to March'24, the total trade volume between Germany and the United States, encompassing both exports...
Chinese subsidies decimating U.S. aluminium production, Brook Massey warns
China and other nations' concerted efforts to undermine American industries are widespread and widely acknowledged. Now, they have set their sights on a new target in Georgia: manufacturers specialising in extruded aluminium. This perspective comes from Brook Massey, President of MI Metals, Inc. in...
Mexican tariffs affect the aluminium supply chain, driving up premiums
Fernando Garcia Martinez, vice president of operations at Mexican aluminium institute IMEDAL, said that the entire light metal supply chain is being impacted, with premiums rising, including in the United States. Under a side agreement within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA),...
US recycled aluminium gains traction as scrap recovery surges in Feb’ 2024 and primary metal output continues to decline
The US Geological Survey's latest data showed the United States’ domestic primary aluminium production trended down during the first two months of 2024, while scrap recovery surged suggesting the country's constant shift to recycled aluminium from the primary metal. Image courtesy: USGS Scrap...
Alfiniti Inc. acquires USA’s sole aluminium welded tube manufacturer, Alabama Tube Corporation
Alfiniti Inc. has made a significant stride in solidifying its position as a premier provider in the aluminium tube industry with the recent acquisition of Alabama Tube Corporation. This strategic move underscores Alfiniti's commitment to diversifying its product line and enhancing its capabilities...
GF Casting pledges $184 million for a state-of-the-art cast aluminium facility in Augusta
Switzerland-based GF Casting Solutions has unveiled plans to invest over $184 million in a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Augusta, Georgia. This announcement marks the third major development in Augusta-Richmond County within the past fortnight, following Syensqo and StandardAero. The new...
US solar manufacturers file petition for antidumping investigation against Chinese-headquartered companies
The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee has reportedly appealed for antidumping investigation and countervailing duties against China-manufactured solar cells and panels with the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and the US Department of Commerce. The American Alliance...
14 countries under scrutiny by US Department of Commerce for dumping aluminium extrusions
On May 2, 2024, the US Department of Commerce released a preliminary list of aluminium extrusion producers and exporters who sold their products at less than legitimate value in the United States. Those producers and exporters are primarily from China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Italy,...
Paulaner launches a new campaign along with its much-awaited Münchner lager in 19.2 oz aluminium can
Paulaner USA, the sole importer of the iconic Paulaner brand in the United States, has unveiled its nationwide campaign, "Big Cans for Big Heroes," in partnership with Operation Homefront, a non-profit committed to bolstering military families' resilience and stability. Running from May 1st to June...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, April 2024
In April 2024, significant developments unfolded in the global aluminium industry, with one standout event taking centre stage: the United States and Britain took decisive action by prohibiting the London Metal Exchange (LME) from accepting new Russian production of aluminium, copper, and nickel....
