Speira, a major aluminium producer in Europe, announced in March 2023 that it would close down its German facility in Rheinwerk this year due to high energy prices and market uncertainty. The company had already reduced the plant’s capacity by 50% in September 2022 in response to surging power prices. Speira plans to focus exclusively […]
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India emerges as leading alumina supplier to Russia, bridging market void
The Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis has resulted in sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia and has driven various effects on India’s trade. Both imports and exports from Russia have been negatively impacted. Still, specific sectors have greatly benefited from the situation, specifically raw materials that are crucial for Russian industry but have been sanctioned by […]
Continue readingHigh energy prices spark an industry crisis, especially in Europe
As a result of the current inflation surge, the aluminium industry is facing a crisis worldwide. Soaring global energy prices sharply limit the capacities of the geographies where smelting is viable. At its peak, aluminium prices were up 60 per cent. While they have since fallen from that peak, the industry is still in a […]
Continue readingAluminium cans and the shift in global beverage consumption patterns
The most common use of aluminium packaging is- beverage cans. Aluminium cans are now globally viewed as a sustainable and safe packaging option by consumers and manufacturers alike. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they keep the beverage safe. It is also 100 per cent recyclable. Introducing BPA-free aluminium cans has also stimulated using […]
Continue readingIndian Union Budget 2023: An indirect boost to the aluminium industry
The recently presented Union Budget for 2023 is said to be inclusive and development-oriented. Is that true for all sectors? The metal sector is overshadowed at a glance, for it was a lacklustre budget for the industry except for steel. Prior to the budget, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) was […]
Continue readingThe aluminium industry and carbon capture utilization & storage
The pressing need for decarbonizing the aluminium industry is loud and clear. While various techniques and alternative fuel sources are employed to reach net zero by 2050, carbon capture is one of the mature technologies that can be used. It is currently in use by other energy-intensive sectors too. The carbon capture process can be […]
Continue readingCan hydrogen help the aluminium industry move towards a sustainable future?
Aluminium has caught the attention of policymakers and industry experts as a lightweight, recyclable metal that can be used in various industries, starting from automobile and aerospace engineering to infrastructure and construction. Most aluminium products can be recycled for decades- a fact that has earned aluminium the badge of ‘green metal.’ However, despite all its […]
Continue readingAlumina markets brace for cost pressures, demand uncertainties in Q4 amid energy concerns
The energy crisis in Europe and energy rationing policies in China are worrying the aluminium smelter owners as well as the alumina market. As per the latest data, the largest alumina market lies in Asia-Pacific. However, China, a major player in the aluminium market, is imposing hefty regulations due to environmental audits and scrutiny. Before […]
Continue readingThe PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan presents excellent opportunities for the Indian aluminium industry
The Indian aluminium industry is heading towards a bright future. AlCircle research has estimated that aluminium usage in India is likely to reach 4.84 million tonnes by 2026-27. The construction, transportation, and electrical sectors will dominate the growth, while other end-user industries like packaging and consumer durables will also act as significant contributors. Several factors […]
Continue readingInflation, recession, and the aluminium industry
According to Statista, the global aluminium market will reach an estimated US$210 billion in 2027, rising at a CAGR of 5 per cent from US$150 billion in 2020. The transportation and construction industries will primarily facilitate this growth. Despite the promising numbers, the lurking global economic crisis, geopolitical conflicts, and energy crisis in the European […]
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