Summary: Rio Tinto’s Q1 2026 report reveals stable primary aluminium production of 835,000 tonnes. Notably, the company is phasing out older potlines at Arvida in favor of the newer AP60 technology, which focuses on lower carbon emissions and higher efficiency. While bauxite production dipped due to weather in Australia, the company has maintained steady shipments […]
Summary: A sharp drop in aluminium extrusion output has been reported across several regions, including India and parts of Southeast Asia. The crisis in West Asia has disrupted bauxite and alumina supply chains, forcing some extrusion plants to scale back operations. In China, March 2026 data shows extrusion exports fell 24.8% month-on-month, a structural shift […]
Summary: LME aluminium prices have hit a new peak today as supply concerns intensify. The cash-settlement price reached $3,652/mt, driven by a significant “backwardation” (premium for immediate delivery) due to ongoing logistical disruptions in the Middle East. For extrusion firms, this indicates a tightening of the physical metal market and higher immediate procurement costs. Article […]
Summary: As of April 21–22, LME Aluminium cash settlement prices have stabilized around $3,613/tonne. Despite a slight easing of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the market remains in a “stress deficit” with an estimated primary aluminium shortage of 1.7 to 2.4 million tonnes for 2026. Extruders should prepare for elevated premiums and intermittent price […]
Summary: New market data released this week indicates the global aluminium extrusion sector is on a robust growth trajectory, projected to reach $117.8 billion by 2030. The report highlights a significant shift toward high-performance extrusions for the transportation sector and a growing demand for “low-carbon” extruded products. For manufacturers, the focus is moving from high-volume […]
Summary: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reported a steady start for 2026, with the non-ferrous metals industry growing by 2.6% year-on-year. However, the construction industry continues to drag on domestic demand, forcing Chinese extruders to look toward emerging sectors like EVs and AI infrastructure to sustain growth. Article Link : https://news.metal.com
Summary: As the CUSMA review deadline approaches, negotiations between the U.S. and Canada remain focused on resolving long-standing disputes in the aluminium, steel, and auto sectors. While “Buy Canadian” and “Buy American” policies create friction, officials suggest a deal is still within reach to maintain strong North American trade ties—critical for regional extrusion manufacturers relying […]
Summary: The near-total halt to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted alumina supplies to Middle Eastern producers. Consequently, these cargoes are being rerouted to China, pushing Chinese alumina imports to a two-year high. This influx is keeping Chinese smelting margins elevated and output high, which may lead to an increase in semi-finished aluminium […]
Summary: Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) are showing divergent patterns as geopolitical negotiations remain unresolved. While LME prices saw a marginal uptick to $3,553/tonne, the market is facing resistance at short-term moving averages. For extruders, this suggests a period of price consolidation and potential volatility in raw […]
Summary: As we move further into 2026, the industry is pivoting toward multi-chamber extrusion designs. These allow for more complex, lightweight profiles essential for the EV (Electric Vehicle) and aerospace sectors. Integration of real-time AI monitoring on extrusion lines has shown a 15% increase in operational efficiency, helping plants mitigate the high costs of raw […]