The global aluminium trade is undergoing significant shifts, driven primarily by the impact of US tariffs on semi-fabricated aluminium products and key export markets. South Korea, a major player in the aluminium export sector, is feeling the brunt of these changes. With the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel, the country's exports to the US have been severely affected, particularly in sectors like automotive and non-ferrous metals. This economic strain has forced South Korea to seek strategic responses, including diversification of markets and tariff negotiations, to mitigate losses. On the other side of the globe, the United States is grappling with a slowdown in imports of semi-fabricated aluminium products, driven by the sharp rise in tariffs and weakening demand from downstream industries. The first half of 2025 saw a 2.2 per cent drop in aluminium imports, especially impacting sectors like automotive, aerospace, and packaging that rely heavily on plates, sheets, and bars. Together, these developments underline the ongoing strain on the aluminium value chain, with rising costs, shifting supply dynamics, and a more challenging global trade environment.
_0_0_0_0.png)
US tariffs have significantly impacted South Korea, which heavily relies on exports to the American market. This strain is evident in the country's trade performance, with export growth slowing to 3 per cent year-on-year, down from 5.8 per cent in July. While it marks the third consecutive month of growth, it is the weakest in the streak, highlighting the effects of Washington's trade barriers. Click here to read more.
Imports of semi-fabricated aluminium products (plates, sheets, and bars) into the United States slowed in the first half of 2025. The latest data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reveals that the decline was driven by reduced demand from downstream industries, coupled with a sharp rise in tariffs, which increased import costs. Click here to read more.
Aluminium prices have steadily risen throughout 2025, tightening global market conditions. Starting in April, momentum built, with benchmark prices reaching USD 2,737 per tonne by September, surprising even experienced analysts. This rally has been fuelled by supply constraints, fragile geopolitical trade flows, and ongoing energy cost pressures, which have led to production disruptions in several regions. In this context, Maybank Investment Bank Research has upgraded its outlook for Malaysia's Press Metal Aluminium Holdings, indicating that the company is well-positioned to capitalise on the potential upside despite the volatility.
Aluminium Products Company (ALUPCO), a leading aluminium extrusion player in Saudi Arabia, has formed a strategic partnership with Asia Aluminum Group (AAG), a prominent aluminium extrusion manufacturer based in Hong Kong with operations in Mainland China. This collaboration aims to establish the largest integrated downstream aluminium industrial hub in Saudi Arabia. Click here to read more.
DICABS Nextgen Special Alloys Pvt Ltd, a fully-owned subsidiary of Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd (DIPL), has officially inaugurated its second rod mill at the Vadodara facility in Gujarat. According to a recent stock exchange announcement, the fully-integrated mill began operations on September 29, 2025, marking a major enhancement to the company's production capabilities. Click here to read more.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a division of the US Department of Energy, is conducting trials on DuAlumin-3D, an innovative aluminium alloy designed for high-temperature automotive applications. The material is also being evaluated for its potential in additive manufacturing, unlocking exciting new opportunities for advanced industrial applications. Click here to read more.
For most high school students, LEGO is all about playtime. But for 18 seniors from Michigan this October, LEGO bricks will represent lessons in efficiency, waste reduction, and manufacturing excellence. In collaboration with Berrien RESA, Bonnell Aluminum is transforming the Bertrand Innovation Center in Niles into a classroom focused on lean manufacturing, with snowmobiles as the subject. Click here to read more.
Responses
