Recent developments in India’s economic and industrial policies underscore the nation’s growing influence in global trade and strategic partnerships. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed regulations governing Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs), allowing banks to open these accounts without prior approval. This move facilitates direct trade settlements in Indian Rupees (INR) among BRICS nations, aiming to reduce reliance on the US Dollar and promote de-dollarisation. Concurrently, India’s aluminium sector is strengthening its ties with Japan. In 2024, Japan imported approximately USD 337 million worth of aluminium from India, positioning it among the top four suppliers. This collaboration is driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics, sanctions affecting traditional suppliers like Russia, and Japan’s emphasis on cleaner production methods. Together, these initiatives highlight India’s strategic efforts to enhance its economic sovereignty and foster international partnerships, particularly in sectors like aluminium, which are pivotal to both nations’ industrial and technological advancements.
The European Union is still awaiting Washington’s fulfilment of key commitments made in the trade agreement finalized in late July 2025. While the deal introduced a 15 per cent baseline tariff on European exports, which has been in effect since last week, Brussels points out that several crucial provisions remain unaddressed. Click here to read more.
When aluminium prices dropped on both the Shanghai and London exchanges this week, it wasn’t just a minor market fluctuation; it marked another development in a trade dispute that has spanned over seven years. What began as a modest tariff in 2018 has evolved into a protective barrier, reshaping how the world’s two largest aluminium producers, China and the UK, navigate the American market. Click here to read more.
China’s aluminium production cap is set at 45 million tonnes, and with growing demand from key sectors like construction and transportation, the figures are reflecting this upward trend. According to customs data released on Monday, China’s imports of unwrought aluminium and its products surged by 38.2 per cent year-on-year in July 2025. Click here to read more.
The aluminium markets faced a challenging first half of 2025, as ingot prices plummeted in the second quarter across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Oversupply, weak downstream demand, and increasing inventories exerted significant pressure, with US tariff policies further disrupting trade flows. Click here to read more.
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navaratna central public sector enterprise (CPSE), is pursuing brownfield expansions in alumina and aluminium production as part of its bid to achieve Maharatna status. The company plans to invest INR 17,163 crore (USD 2.06 billion) to increase smelter capacity by 0.5 million tonnes per annum, along with an additional INR 12,000 crore (USD 1.44 billion) to establish 1,080 MW of power generation capacity. Land acquisition for the smelter project is nearing completion. Click here to read more.
LME price update
London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices declined on August 18, as increased US import tariffs and rising inventories put pressure on the market. The LME aluminium cash bid price dropped to USD 2,586 per tonne on August 18, down from USD 2,599 per tonne on August 15. The cash offer price also fell to USD 2,586.5 per tonne, compared to USD 2,600 per tonne previously, marking a decline of 0.50 per cent
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices continued their downward trend on Tuesday, August 19, hitting their lowest point in over two weeks, following the US decision to extend the 50 percent import tariff.
Aluminium prices rose on Wednesday, August 20, outperforming other base metals, as falling stocks and stronger demand from China provided support. However, the increase was tempered by a rise in global supply. Click here to read more.
After three consecutive days of decline from Monday to Wednesday, LME aluminium prices recovered on Thursday, August 21, increasing by USD 4 per tonne (0.15 per cent) and USD 3.5 per tonne (0.13 per cent).
Other significant news
After India’s 79th Independence Day, Vedanta Aluminium, the country’s largest aluminium producer, unveiled its campaign “Badhte Bharat ki Pehchaan.” The initiative emphasizes the company’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth, innovation, and self-reliance, while showcasing its pivotal role in driving transformation across various sectors.
Ontario has launched a USD 1-billion relief fund to assist businesses impacted by aluminium, steel, and auto tariffs. The initiative, named the Protect Ontario Financing Program, is part of a larger USD 5-billion tariff support package announced in the province’s spring budget. Click here to read more.
Peel Ports Group, a provider of port and logistics services, has become the first UK port operator to join the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and supporting the UK aluminium industry. This move highlights the Group’s strategic focus on aiding the steel and metals industries. Click here to read more.
RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB Research) expects Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd to report a higher net profit for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, driven by lower alumina prices. Core earnings are projected to grow quarter-on-quarter to between RM480 million and RM520 million, although this is slightly below previous projections. In Q1 2025, the company’s revenue was RM3,897,248 million. Click here to read more.
Under the bauxite
Alcoa’s plan to expand its bauxite mining operations in Western Australia’s jarrah forest is currently under a detailed environmental review. A recent study by engineering consultancy GHD identified potential risks to Perth’s water supply, while also acknowledging the mitigation measures proposed by the company to address these concerns.
Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is rapidly becoming a key pillar in the kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation. With SAR 246 billion (USD 66.4 billion) in committed investments and an estimated USD 2.5 trillion in untapped mineral wealth, the industry is set to become the nation’s third economic cornerstone, alongside oil and petrochemicals. Click here to read more.
US aluminium giant Alcoa’s proposed expansion of its bauxite mining operations near Perth has reached a pivotal point where industrial growth, environmental responsibility, and community expectations intersect. Bauxite, the key raw material for aluminium a metal integral to modern infrastructure, transportation, and technology offers significant industrial and community benefits. Click here to read more.
Under the alumina segment
Alumina is the key intermediary in producing aluminium from bauxite ore, playing a crucial role in the global metal supply chain. Approximately two tonnes of alumina are required to produce one tonne of aluminium, making it a vital component in industries ranging from aerospace to packaging. Click here to read more.
Century Aluminum, the US primary aluminium producer, plans to invest up to USD 30 million in its Jamaican alumina refinery, Jamalco, in 2026. This investment aims to reduce energy costs and restore the plant to full capacity. The announcement was made during the company’s recent investor call, where Century’s executive vice-president, CFO, and treasurer, Peter Trpkovski, outlined the investment strategy. Click here to read more.
Austrian technology and market leader in ropeway engineering, Doppelmayr, has secured a significant contract to design and implement India’s first RopeCon system at the Aditya Alumina Refinery in Kansariguda, Odisha. Set to be operational by Q3 2027, this system marks a major advancement in Hindalco’s efforts to integrate sustainable technology into its mining and refining operations. Click here to read more.
Alumina production in Asia (including China) and Africa continued to increase in the first half of 2025, but recent data from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) shows signs of a slowdown by mid-year. While China remains the dominant global producer, new projects in Indonesia, India, and Africa are reshaping the supply landscape. Click here to read more.
As of July 2025, Impact Minerals, an Australia-based mineral exploration company, is intensifying its focus on high-purity alumina (HPA) through the Lake Hope Project in Western Australia. A completed pre-feasibility study has positioned the project as one of the world’s lowest-cost potential producers. Click here to read more.