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Aluminium extrusion market shrinks 29.8% as New Zealand rejects import protection
Downstream

Aluminium extrusion market shrinks 29.8% as New Zealand rejects import protection

New Zealand's Government has rejected calls for safeguard measures on aluminium extrusion imports, despite an official investigation finding that domestic manufacturers have suffered serious injury. The decision, accepted by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer on October 5, has prompted warnings from the Aluminium Extruders Association of NZ (ALENZ) that continued pressure could put local plants and thousands of jobs at risk. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) concluded that imports contributed to the industry's difficulties but were not the sole or primary cause of the injury. It recommended against imposing safeguards, citing the contraction in domestic demand, rising production costs and the potential for higher prices for downstream...

Downstream

Aluminium ‘metal’ definition clarification: Why Indian Supreme Court’s 1981 ruling still stands strong

In the course of the aluminium trade, a metal and a product made from that metal may share the same material, but they do not necessarily share the same commercial identity. Over four decades ago, the Supreme Court of India drew this distinction in a ruling that continues to offer an interesting perspective on the aluminium value chain today. India’s tax framework has since moved from the earlier state-level sales tax regime to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Yet, the underlying question raised by the 1981 verdict remains relevant to an industry where primary aluminium, flat-rolled products and extrusions serve different markets and applications. The judgment offers a historical lens through which to understand how aluminium ingots and billets came to be distinguished, for the purposes...


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Vietnam in focus: IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026 to unite global aluminium industry leaders
Bauxite

Vietnam in focus: IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026 to unite global aluminium industry leaders

The global bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry will converge in Hanoi on 28–29 October 2026 for the 15 th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition (IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026) , organized by the International Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium Society (IBAAS) in association with VFMSTA. Hosted at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the two-day international gathering will bring together industry professionals, engineering companies, technology providers, researchers and business leaders to exchange technical knowledge, explore emerging opportunities and strengthen international cooperation across the aluminium value chain. The conference marks an important milestone in IBAAS's international engagement, bringing its established industry platform to Vietnam and...

Indian Aluminum producer signs final acceptance for hot mill edge trimmer system installed by Primetals Technologies
Primary AL

Indian Aluminum producer signs final acceptance for hot mill edge trimmer system installed by Primetals Technologies

Primetals Technologies has installed a new trimmer‑chopper unit to enhance the performance of an aluminium hot mill line in India. Following a well-executed installation and commissioning period, Primetals Technologies is pleased to announce that the customer has signed the final acceptance certificate (FAC). This milestone marks the successful formal completion of the project. The new equipment has been integrated into the existing exit table arrangement and engineered to fit the current foundation without the need for additional modifications. This approach allowed for a faster installation within a shorter shutdown period of the hot mill line, as well as reduced capital expenditure. Enhanced product quality The modernisation included the installation of a new edge trimmer and a...

Acer launches four Swift Air 14 laptops with all-aluminium bodies weighing 1.18 kg
End User

Acer launches four Swift Air 14 laptops with all-aluminium bodies weighing 1.18 kg

Acer Japan has introduced four models in its Swift Air 14 laptop series, featuring all-aluminium bodies, 14-inch displays and lightweight designs aimed at users seeking portability and everyday computing performance. The laptops measure approximately 12.99 mm thick and weigh around 1.18 kg, with CNC diamond-cut processing used on the lid. The four models - SFA14-I31-A38Y, SFA14-I31-A32Y, SFA14-I31-A58Y and SFA14-I31-A52Y - differ in specifications, including processor and memory configurations. The range offers Intel Core 3 Processor 304 and Intel Core 5 Processor 320 options, both equipped with integrated Intel AI Boost technology. Aluminium construction and display specifications The Swift Air 14 features an all-metal aluminium chassis designed to combine a slim profile with a...

ABx Group’s 37Mt Sunrise bauxite project opens for public comment in Queensland
Bauxite

ABx Group’s 37Mt Sunrise bauxite project opens for public comment in Queensland

ABx Group’s proposed Sunrise bauxite project in Queensland, Australia, has reached a milestone in the federal environmental approval process. Its referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is open for public comment until October 26. The greenfield mine is proposed for Binjour, about 115 km southwest of the Port of Bundaberg and 25 km west of Gayndah. Project documents indicate annual production of 600,000 to 800,000 tonnes of run-of-mine (ROM) and product bauxite, with an upper limit of approximately 1.2 million tonnes per annum. The mine is expected to operate for 20–25 years. 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...

Rio Tinto Q3 2026: 10% alumina growth offsets 4% bauxite dip; aluminium output stays firm
Bauxite

Rio Tinto Q3 2026: 10% alumina growth offsets 4% bauxite dip; aluminium output stays firm

Rio Tinto’s third-quarter (Q3) 2026 production results report contrasting trends across its aluminium value chain, with bauxite production declining 4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), alumina output amounting to 6.11 million tonnes and primary aluminium stood at 2.52 million tonnes. The company maintained its full-year 2026 production guidance for all three commodities, while highlighting operational improvements, upcoming refinery constraints and progress on Pacific aluminium smelter repowering. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott stated, “We delivered strong operational performance in the third quarter.” He further highlighted progress on decarbonisation, noting that the company’s “Pacific Aluminium smelter repowering arrangements” were “now well progressed.” Explore the production,...

Germany’s Fraunhofer and University of Stuttgart develop aluminium anode technology for lithium-ion batteries
End User

Germany’s Fraunhofer and University of Stuttgart develop aluminium anode technology for lithium-ion batteries

Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (Fraunhofer IPA), headquartered in Stuttgart, has developed a new aluminium anode technology for lithium-ion batteries in collaboration with the University of Stuttgart, addressing a key challenge that has limited the material’s practical use. The patented cell and electrode design manages the volume changes that occur during charging and discharging, helping prevent electrode damage and maintain electrical contact over repeated cycles. The technology also eliminates graphite and silicon from the anode, replaces conventional copper foil with aluminium foil and removes a separate electrode coating process. Aluminium anode technology targets electrode degradation Aluminium has long attracted interest as an...

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US aluminum maker Shapes Unlimited faces up to $5m in extra costs as tariffs and Iran conflict bite
Downstream

US aluminum maker Shapes Unlimited faces up to $5m in extra costs as tariffs and Iran conflict bite

US aluminum product manufacturer Shapes Unlimited faces up to $5 million in additional costs this year as President Donald Trump’s tariffs and rising freight charges linked to the conflict involving Iran add pressure to American manufacturers. The Ohio-based company is among businesses grappling with higher input and transportation costs, while uncertainty over US trade policy and deteriorating relations with Canada complicate planning and expansion. Although some American manufacturers have benefited from higher barriers facing foreign competitors, others are struggling to absorb additional expenses and maintain growth. Doug Rende, chief executive of Shapes Unlimited, told AFP that the combined pressures had become increasingly difficult to manage. “Frustrating would be one word,” Rende...

Domestic and overseas aluminium prices rebound from lows; amid mixed bullish and bearish factors, aluminium prices maintain a fluctuating trend
Primary AL

Domestic and overseas aluminium prices rebound from lows; amid mixed bullish and bearish factors, aluminium prices maintain a fluctuating trend

Futures: The most-traded SHFE aluminium 2611 contract closed at RMB 23,605 per tonne, up RMB 225 or 0.96 per cent from yesterday's settlement price. It opened at RMB 23,490.00 per tonne during the day and fluctuated between 23,490 and RMB 23,675 per tonne. Prices traded below the MA5 (23,662.00), MA10 (23,912.50), MA30 (24,069.50), and MA60 (23,822.92), rebounding after a short-term decline. A rebound-from-lows consolidation structure is emerging, with the short-term moving averages above forming key resistance. The MACD DIF (-100.9745) is below the DEA (1.1214), and the MACD histogram stands at -204.1917, indicating bears still hold strong momentum. The suggested core trading range for SHFE aluminium is RMB 23,300-24,000 per tonne. The LME aluminium 3M contract settled at USD 3,062.50...

Hindalco partners with Vi Business to deploy a private network at an Odisha bauxite mine
Bauxite

Hindalco partners with Vi Business to deploy a private network at an Odisha bauxite mine

Hindalco Industries has partnered with Vi Business to establish its first dedicated private network at the Baphlimali bauxite mine in Odisha, supporting safer mining, real-time monitoring and Industry 4.0 operations. Hindalco Industries Ltd has partnered with Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea (Vi), to deploy a dedicated private network at its Baphlimali bauxite mine in Rayagada district, Odisha. Announced on October 8, 2026, the multi-year managed services agreement marks Hindalco’s first private network implementation and forms part of its broader digital transformation strategy. The network will cover the complete private network infrastructure, including spectrum, core network, radio access network (RAN) and managed services. It is expected to provide secure, reliable...

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