Who said that the tariff tension is gone? The aluminium industry has been grappling with this tension for a long time. To add to this, following extensive consultations and bilateral discussions with the United States over the 25 per cent tariffs imposed on aluminium and steel exports, India has formally notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of its intention to implement retaliatory measures. As a result, this may involve suspending trade concessions previously granted to the US or revising tariff rates on specific American imports. Read to learn what happens next.
The UK aluminium recycling industry has faced significant challenges due to the market distortions caused by the 25 per cent tariffs. However, ALFED’s recent announcement that these tariffs on UK aluminium exports to the United States have been lifted under a new trade agreement between the UK and the US has brought a much-needed sense of relief to the sector. Nonetheless, several urgent challenges remain that demand the Government’s attention – Read further to know more.
The United States and the United Kingdom have reached a trade agreement that reduces tariffs on certain goods, including aluminium, steel, and cars. However, a 10 per cent tariff remains on most UK exports to the US. While this deal is seen as a positive step for UK-US trade relations, it has not been well-received by other global players – Click here to know how different regions are taking this reaction.
On May 8, 2025, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a limited trade agreement known as the “Economic Prosperity Deal.” Under this agreement, the US has officially lifted the 25 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel imports from the UK, which had been introduced earlier in 2025 by President Donald Trump. To know more, click here.
On May 12, China and the United States reached a trade agreement in Geneva, bringing much-needed relief to businesses and exporters worldwide. After nearly 90 days of escalating retaliatory tariffs and mounting economic tensions, this long-anticipated breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for the aluminium sector, which has been struggling under intense pressure. Read more here.
Some significant events in the bauxite sector
Guinea’s bauxite sector has garnered significant attention in recent years, with annual production approaching 130–137 million tonnes and numerous mining and infrastructure projects in progress. Notable developments include initiatives led by Kebo Energy SA, GAC, and Arrow Minerals, as well as the construction of the Trans-Guinean railway aimed at improving ore transportation. However, the landscape is shifting – read to know more.
Norges Bank Investment Management has announced plans to engage with Rio Tinto and South32 amid rising environmental concerns over their involvement in the Mineração Rio do Norte joint venture (JV) bauxite mine located in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest. To know more click here.
Roundup of key financial and market developments
India’s aluminium market saw a sharp upswing on Monday, May 12, as stock prices of major players—NALCO, Hindalco, and Vedanta—recorded notable gains. Leading the rally was NALCO, whose shares surged by 7.4 per cent over the weekend to cross INR 168 (USD 1.98). Vedanta and Hindalco also performed strongly, with their stock prices rising by 7 per cent and 3.8 per cent, respectively. Click here to read more.
Novelis Inc., the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminium products and the world’s largest aluminium recycler, has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024–25. According to the report, robust shipments driven by sustained demand for beverage packaging remain the core strength of the company’s performance throughout the year. To know the full result, click here.
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter, has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company reported strong revenue growth, though margins were squeezed by rising production costs. Alba posted a 22.2 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase in revenue, reaching BHD 408.9 million (USD 1.09 billion) in Q1 2025, up from BHD 334.6 million (USD 889.8 million) in Q1 2024. Read the full results here
As of May 12, 2025, Norsk Hydro ASA has officially gone ex-dividend, with plans to distribute NOK 2.25 per share for the 2024 financial year. This move by the global aluminium giant highlights its financial resilience and stability, even amid ongoing volatility in the global markets. To know more, click here.
By the end of April 2025, aluminium inventories at Japan’s three major ports—Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka—rose to 320,300 tonnes, a 3.4 per cent increase from March’s 309,700 tonnes, according to data from Marubeni Corp. Meanwhile, the import premium for primary aluminium shipments into Japan dropped 20 per cent quarter-on-quarter to USD 182 per tonne in Q2 2025.
Other significant events
United Company (UC) Rusal, the world’s second-largest aluminium producer by primary output, has announced the issuance of non-documentary, interest-bearing, non-convertible exchange-traded bonds under the BO-001P-14 series. With over 11 million bonds issued, each valued at RMB 1,000, the bonds have a maturity period of 728 days starting from the commencement of placements. Could this move be a strategic financial decision? Click here to know more.
In a major move to modernise India’s port logistics and promote sustainable trade, Vizag Multipurpose Terminal — a joint venture between India Potash Ltd and J M Baxi Ports & Logistics — has entered into a strategic partnership with Hindalco Industries. The collaboration aims to establish India’s first fully automated and eco-friendly alumina handling facility at the EQ-07 berth of Visakhapatnam Port.