Aluminum

LME Aluminum Cash Premium Hits Record $151/MT

Aluminum buyers faced a historic supply squeeze on November 11, 2026, as the LME cash-to-three-month premium reached $151 per metric ton during trading. Declining deliverable inventories, concentrated positions and disrupted shipments tightened prompt supply, while additional Indonesian production offered potential longer-term relief.

Aluminum Supply Squeeze Deepens as LME Stocks Fall 56% in 2026

Aluminum markets face tightening immediate supply as LME inventories fall 56% year to date and cash premiums rise. Middle East disruptions, trade barriers and limited exchange-deliverable stocks are keeping buyers under pressure despite planned Indonesian production increases.

Venezuela Negotiates Second Aluminum Shipment to U.S.

Venezuela is in talks with Mercuria Energy Group and Heeney Capital over a second aluminum shipment to the United States. The proposed cargo follows a 15,000-metric-ton delivery that reached New Orleans in late September. Negotiations are continuing, with shipment timing and final terms yet to be confirmed.

Cherokee Nation Committee Opposes $4B Aluminum Smelter

The Cherokee Nation Rules Committee unanimously advanced a resolution opposing the proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. The measure supports the Muscogee Nation's earlier opposition and calls for meaningful tribal consultation. A full Tribal Council vote remains pending as local residents and developers continue to dispute the project.

Hydro Invests $53.5M in Pennsylvania Aluminum Plant

Hydro has launched a $53.5 million modernization project at its Cressona, Pennsylvania, facility. The new 5,900-tonne indirect extrusion press will replace equipment dating to the 1950s, improve manufacturing efficiency and serve growing demand for specialized aluminum products. Operations are expected to begin in early 2028.

North American Aluminum Demand Rises 3.5% in H1 2026

North American aluminum demand increased 3.5% to 13.57 billion pounds during the first half of 2026, according to the Aluminum Association. Imports of semi-fabricated products helped drive growth, while shipments from U.S. and Canadian mills declined 3.6%, highlighting the need for additional domestic production and recycling capacity.

Canada Funds Rio Tinto, Alouette With C$193.3M

Canada has committed C$193.3 million toward aluminum modernization projects at Rio Tinto and Aluminerie Alouette in Quebec. The funding supports projects valued at C$953.5 million, including new billet casting capacity, upgraded anode baking equipment and improved smelting efficiency.

U.S. Aluminum Output Hits Half of Smelter Capacity

U.S. primary aluminum production totaled 660,000 metric tons in 2025, approximately half the country's installed smelting capacity. USGS figures highlight continued reliance on imports, while new industry data show the substantial role of domestic scrap recycling. The Aluminum Association is pressing Congress for permitting reforms to support investment in production and energy infrastructure.

Canada Invests C$193.3M in Aluminum as Joly Eyes Mills

Canada has announced C$193.3 million in federal funding for aluminum projects at Rio Tinto and Aluminerie Alouette in Quebec. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the investments mark a first step toward strengthening Canada's aluminum supply chain, while Ottawa explores domestic rolling mill projects to reduce reliance on U.S. processing amid reciprocal tariffs.

Aluminum Association Urges Congress to Pass Permitting Reform

The Aluminum Association is urging Congress to advance bipartisan permitting reform, arguing that faster and more predictable approvals are needed to expand U.S. primary aluminum, recycling capacity and energy infrastructure.

U.S. Aluminum Smelters Stage Comeback as Tariffs Lift Domestic Output

U.S. primary aluminum production is showing signs of revival as Century Aluminum restores capacity and Magnitude 7 prepares to restart its Missouri smelter. An industry-backed analysis argues that Section 232 tariffs are improving domestic smelter economics, though environmental and legal challenges remain.

Rio Tinto Q3 Aluminium Output Falls 2% to 842,000 Tonnes

Rio Tinto produced 842,000 tonnes of aluminium in the third quarter of 2026, down 2% year over year as the Arvida closure offset improvements at Kitimat and Boyne. Alumina production rose 10%, while tailings constraints are expected to reduce Yarwun output sharply in the fourth quarter.

Novelis-Beiersdorf Collaboration Boosts Recycled Aluminum Content in Packaging

Novelis and Beiersdorf have increased the recycled aluminum content of the Nivea Creme tin to 95%, up from 80% in 2024. The packaging has been available in Germany since early 2026, with broader European and international rollout planned from 2027.

'More than just the cargo': 15,000 tons of Venezuelan aluminum arrive in Louisiana

Officials estimate that between 200,000 and 300,000 tons of aluminum could move through the new trade corridor over the course of about a year.

U.S. Aluminum Industry Demands Greater Domestic Production and Recycling Infrastructure

The Aluminum Association has launched its “America Needs Aluminum” campaign calling for expansion of U.S. primary production, scrap recovery, recycling and manufacturing. The group says global aluminum demand could rise about 80% by 2050 while the U.S. currently produces less than 20% of the primary metal it consumes.

Aluminum Forecast Raised To US$3,150 On Slower Gulf Production Recovery

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) reported in late August that 25% of the reduction cells at its Al Taweelah facility had been restored, with full production targeted by the first quarter of 2027.

Rio Tinto, RevoCast Partner to Expand Low-Carbon Aluminium Billet Supply

Rio Tinto will exclusively market aluminum billet produced at RevoCast's new Langley, British Columbia, facility under a long-term agreement combining hydropower-based primary aluminum with recycled material. The plant has annual capacity exceeding 80,000 tonnes of 6xxx-series billet.

Major Aluminum Expansion in Oklahoma to Double U.S. Production Capacity

A proposed 750,000-metric-ton Oklahoma aluminum smelter could roughly double U.S. primary production capacity and reduce import dependence. A September economic impact study projects the development could support about 11,000 U.S. jobs annually and contribute an average of $2.2 billion a year to national GDP.

Hydro and Chanel Set 2026-2030 Aluminum Packaging Roadmap

Hydro and Chanel Fragrance and Beauty have launched a 2026-2030 partnership to develop lower-carbon aluminum packaging for fragrance, makeup and skincare, targeting a footprint approaching 3.0 kg CO₂e per kilogram of aluminum.

U.S. Aluminum Industry Jobs Shift Heavily to Downstream Sector

Nearly 98% of U.S. aluminum industry jobs are now concentrated outside primary production, as recycling and downstream manufacturing expand. Secondary aluminum employment jumped 21.9% from 2024 to 2026, while industry investment has topped $11 billion over the past decade.

North American Aluminum Industry Boosts Capacity in 2026

The federal government has committed C$100 million to support ELYSIS inert-anode technology, while CEM’s Thor Project is progressing toward alumina demonstration production.

EGA Takes Majority Stake in Italian Aluminum Recycler

Emirates Global Aluminium has completed its acquisition of an 80% stake in Italian recycler Eco Green. The deal expands EGA’s European scrap network and lifts its global aluminum recycling capacity above 400,000 tonnes per year, with another 200,000 tonnes under development.<