Brazil
US alumina imports reach 712kt in H1 2026, up 2.7% despite Q2 decline
Alumina imports in the United States increased in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, although imports fell sharply in the second quarter. Total imports reached 712,000 tonnes in H1 2026, up 2.7 per cent from 693,000 tonnes in H1 2025. The H1 2024 total was 495,000 tonnes. Imports in Q1 2026 reached 446,000 tonnes, up 32 per cent from 337,000 tonnes in Q1 2025. However, imports dropped to 266,000 tonnes in Q2 (a 25 per cent decline) from 356,000 tonnes in the same quarter a year earlier. Brazil remains the largest supplier Brazil remained the largest exporter of alumina to the US during the period covered by the data. Its shipments reached 568,000 tonnes in H1 2026, around 5 per cent increase from 542,000 tonnes in H1 2025. In H1 2024, Brazil supplied 430,000...
Brazilian industry grows more cautious as industrial confidence falls to 44.9
Brazilian industrial confidence weakened further in September, with deteriorating economic sentiment weighing on the outlook for sectors that consume aluminum, including construction, transportation, packaging, and consumer goods. The Industrial Entrepreneur Confidence Index (ICEI), released by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), fell to 44.9 points in September from 46.3 in August. The decline marked the 21st consecutive month in which the index remained below the reference line. The downturn reflected weaker assessments of both current business conditions and expectations for the next six months. The current conditions index fell from 42.7 to 40.2 points, while the expectations index declined from 48.1 to 47.2 points. Brazilian economic sentiment weighs on confidence...
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A report that reveals where the aluminium casting industry is heading and how businesses can act.
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A report that reveals where the aluminium casting industry is heading and how businesses can act.
LEARN MOREGermany’s construction aluminium demand falls 12%, but 2027 recovery and recycling offer fresh growth prospects
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News
A $1.8 billion bet to keep Brazil’s bauxite flowing until 2041
The Novas Minas project will maintain MRN’s 12.5 million metric tons/year bauxite output while strengthening supply links across Brazil’s aluminum chain. Brazilian bauxite producer Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) is investing R$9 billion ($1.8 billion) to extend operations at its mining complex in Pará through 2041, securing long-term production from new reserves near its existing sites. MRN has operated in northern Pará since the 1970s and first applied for environmental approval to extend the mine’s operating life in 2018. Brazilian authorities granted approval for the long-term expansion in April 2026. The Novas Minas project will develop five new mining sites in western Pará and allow MRN to maintain its existing production capacity of 12.5 million metric tons of bauxite per year. The...
Alurion’s Amargosa bauxite project gets clearance for 11.5Mtpa road haulage
Alurion Resources has cleared a key logistics hurdle for its Amargosa bauxite project in Brazil, with an independent study confirming that Bahia’s public road network can support haulage of up to 11.5 wet million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). The assessment by transport engineering firm Engimind covers three potential haulage levels of 5.75, 8.625 and 11.5 wet Mtpa. Its findings double the original scoping study base case and give Alurion a defined road route as it advances towards a Prefeasibility Study (PFS) targeted for mid-2027. Road capacity supports higher Amargosa volumes The study confirmed the northern route to the Port of Enseada via the BR-101 highway as suitable for the project. The route is about 160km from the North District and 220km from the Central District. Importantly, the...
Hydro’s Alunorte gas disruption could cost $210m across Q3 and Q4
Alunorte, Hydro’s alumina refinery in Brazil, has cut alumina production to 50 per cent after disruptions to its natural gas supply from CELBA. The disruption could cost Hydro’s Bauxite & Alumina business up to USD 100 million in Q3 2026. Alunorte could also face another USD 110 million impact in Q4 due to higher gas costs. CELBA informed Alunorte in August 2026 that it was facing disruptions to natural gas supplies. The refinery has not received the gas covered by its contract and is now buying gas at spot market prices. Alunorte has cut production to 50 per cent to match the gas currently available. The refinery has asked for direct access to the Barcarena LNG receiving and regasification terminal. Join the fourth edition of webinar " Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours...
Alcoa strikes $3.1b cash-and-stock deal for South32’s key aluminium assets
Alcoa Corporation is acquiring South32’s key aluminium assets in a USD 3.1 billion deal in cash plus 17,008,960 Alcoa shares, expanding its upstream aluminium portfolio across Australia, Brazil and South Africa. The transaction will also give South32 and its shareholders an equity interest in the enlarged Alcoa business, while backing South32’s broader shift towards copper and other base metals. The update follows Alcoa’s decision to acquire South32’s aluminium value-chain assets with an implied enterprise value of up to USD 5.6 billion. Under the proposed transaction, South32 will initially receive about 6 per cent of Alcoa’s outstanding common stock. At least half of these shares are expected to be distributed to South32 shareholders through an in-specie dividend. Depending on South32’s...
Alcoa files SEC registration for $5.6b South32 alumina, aluminium and bauxite asset deal
Alcoa has moved its proposed acquisition of South32's bauxite, alumina and aluminium interests forward with a US SEC filing, with the transaction carrying an implied enterprise value of up to USD 5.6 billion. Alcoa Corporation has filed a Form S-4 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with its proposed acquisition of South32 Limited's interests across the bauxite, alumina and aluminium value chain. Under the transaction agreed on June 30, 2026, Alcoa will pay South32 USD 3.1 billion in upfront cash and about USD 1.0 billion in Alcoa shares, while also assuming around USD 750 million in net debt and lease liabilities. A further USD 750 million in contingent cash consideration could become payable depending on alumina and aluminium prices...
AL Circle analysis: From cans and NEVs to extrusion, shifting end-use demand reshapes aluminium’s growth story
The aluminium industry is entering the second half of 2026 with demand signals moving in different directions. Beverage cans are finding new consumption opportunities in Brazil, extrusion demand remains resilient in key markets, and aluminium producers are benefiting from firmer prices. At the same time, tariffs and trade-policy uncertainty are adding cost pressure, while automakers and packaging companies are placing greater emphasis on aluminium’s role in lower-carbon products. Demand: New consumption patterns open fresh opportunities Brazil’s beverage can market is maintaining a positive trajectory in 2026, with 16.4 billion cans sold in the first half and full-year growth expected in the low single digits. The more interesting development, however, is the changing beverage mix. Beer...
Interviews
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Rafael Aun Ming
AL Circle x Rafael Aun Ming: A deep dive into clean energy beverages, aluminium packaging, and circular global growth
Otavio Augusto Rezende Carvalheira
AL Circle x Otavio Augusto Rezende Carvalheira: Insights on Brazil’s aluminium recycling leadership, circularity systems and global scrap market dynamics
Tim Ebner
AL Circle x Tim Ebner: Driving higher US aluminium can recycling through community engagement, policy & innovative initiatives
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