United States
North American aluminum demand rises 3.5% in H1 2026 as imports offset domestic supply decline
North American aluminum demand returned to growth in the first half of 2026, but the recovery has exposed a widening gap between market consumption and domestic production. Rising imports of semi-fabricated aluminum products, particularly sheet, have supported regional demand as shipments from US and Canadian producers continue to weaken. According to preliminary industry estimates, aluminum demand across the United States and Canada increased 3.5% Year-on-Year through June 2026, reaching an estimated 13.57 billion pounds (6.16 million metric tonnes), compared with 13.12 billion pounds (5.95 million metric tonnes) during the corresponding period of 2025. The improvement marks a reversal from the previous year's contraction, although imports rather than stronger domestic mill shipments...
AAC launches new certification program for anodising facilities
The Aluminium Anodizers Council (AAC) has recently launched the AAC Anodizing Certification Program, an independent certification program developed specifically for facilities that perform aluminium anodising. Announced at the AAC Annual Conference this October, the program gives anodisers an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to meet established industry standards for quality and consistency. It also gives customers and specifiers greater confidence when selecting an anodising partner. The certification was developed for the anodising industry and is available to qualifying anodising facilities regardless of AAC membership. “This program represents an important step forward for the anodising industry,” said Jason Weber, president of the Aluminium Anodizers Council. “It provides...
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A report that reveals where the aluminium casting industry is heading and how businesses can act.
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US aluminum trihydrate prices rise 2.38% as Bosnia Market Slides 3% in Q3 2026
The US aluminum trihydrate market strengthened in September 2026 as downstream procurement, rising overseas production costs, and shipping bottlenecks supported prices. In contrast, Bosnia’s market faced a quarterly correction as European buyers drew on accumulated inventories and lower caustic soda costs eased manufacturing pressures, highlighting diverging regional price trends. US aluminum trihydrate market gains on demand and supply constraints US aluminum trihydrate prices increased 2.38% month over month in September, supported by purchases from wire and cable manufacturers, electrical infrastructure compounders, and electric vehicle (EV) component producers. Demand remained particularly resilient for applications involving low-smoke cable compounds and flame-retardant materials....
China tops bauxite price rankings at $90/t, with the US trailing at $77
China recorded the highest reported bauxite price among five major markets in the third quarter of 2026, at USD 90 per tonne, while the USA had the lowest assessment at USD 77 per tonne. India, Australia and Germany recorded prices of USD 82, USD 80 and USD 79 per tonne, respectively, highlighting regional differences in bauxite procurement costs. The USD 13-per-tonne gap between China and the USA reflects differing regional price assessments. However, the available data does not establish the precise contribution of individual factors or indicate whether prices rose or fell compared with the previous quarter. China tops regional bauxite price rankings China's bauxite price of USD 90 per tonne placed it at the top of the five-market comparison. Its substantial alumina refining industry...
$4b Oklahoma aluminum smelter’s civil works penciled in for Q2 2027 as Inola ballot looms
The proposed $4 billion Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) smelter, a joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum, is targeting civil works in the second quarter of 2027, with first hot metal expected between mid- and late 2030. Realization of the 750,000-metric-ton project would render it the first new US primary aluminum smelter in nearly 50 years. However, local restrictions, environmental permitting and ongoing legal hurdles clouded its path towards maintaining the construction timeline. A local moratorium and an April 7 ballot sit on the same calendar. 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 & Price Outlook ” A...
Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz closed as seven conditions stall US negotiations
Iran has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets seven conditions outlined in a June memorandum of understanding, prolonging uncertainty over a critical global energy shipping route as diplomatic efforts continue. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran’s position remained firm, state media reported on October 4. Iran had presented a proposal during the United Nations General Assembly under which normal maritime passage through the strait could resume within seven days if its conditions were met. Washington responded to the proposal last week through Qatari intermediaries. “The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely clear and firm, and the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until our seven conditions, based on the...
Impact Minerals announces new strategy built on HPA focus and capital discipline
Impact Minerals Limited (ASX: IPT) (Impact Minerals or the Company) today announces the outcome of the strategic review it began under its 100-day plan in August. The Company will concentrate management attention and development capital on one priority: producing high-purity alumina (HPA) from its Lake Hope Project (80 per cent) in Western Australia. Its precious and base metals ground will be reviewed and its exploration effort will turn to critical minerals. The 100-day plan is approximately 50 per cent complete and is meeting its milestones. Its purpose is to make Impact Minerals ready for institutional investment. Two businesses, two sets of needs Impact Minerals has run HPA development and metals exploration as one business. They are not. HPA needs development capital, engineering...
UAE aluminum exports to the US dip 9.8% Y-o-Y; Can EGA restart offset supply deficit?
In the first half (H1) of 2026, the US imported a total of 1.68 million metric tons of unwrought aluminum (HSN code: 7601), of which 16.96% was sourced from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). How has H1 2026 fared for the momentum of unwrought aluminum exports from the UAE to the US? Year-on-year cooling in trade can be noticed, largely owing to the temporary shutdown of the Emirates Global Aluminium’s (EGA’s) Al Taweelah smelter for repair and maintenance. 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 & Price Outlook ” H1 aluminum trade snapshot: 2026 vs 2025 vs 2024 Comparing the H1 2026 figures of unwrought aluminum exported by the UAE to the US, a mixed result...
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