Aluminum
Among the key achievements, Kaiser Aluminum expanded its portfolio of high-recycled-content aluminum products by launching two new offerings.
Construction of the recycling plant required approximately four million work hours and was completed without any lost-time injuries.
Residents opposed to the project have pushed for a moratorium while environmental reviews and permitting continue.
Against the backdrop of a continued sharp decline in SHFE aluminium futures, suppliers in the central China market showed limited willingness to sell.
According to Bloomberg, producers in the Gulf found alternate routes for raw materials, increased imports through other channels and leaned on inventories to keep metal flowing.
The association’s recommendations include harmonizing external aluminum tariffs across North America and expanding data-sharing and import-monitoring systems.
In November 2024, China’s Ministry of Finance announced the cancellation of a thirteen percent export tax rebate for aluminum, alongside similar changes for copper and other goods.
The smelter would more than double current U.S. primary aluminum production capacity, in addition to creating approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and 4,000 construction jobs.
In addition, the upgrade is projected to lower overall energy consumption by around 25%.
The first force majeure was declared in March when gas supplies to Qatalum’s operations in Qatar were impacted by regional conflict-related disruptions.
According to the study, growth in aluminum recycling and downstream manufacturing has helped offset declines in primary aluminum production jobs.
The restart brings relief to automakers and dealers who weathered months of aluminum shortages.
Simard, whose association represents Alcoa, Alouette, and Rio Tinto, said there is concern about the outcome of talks to renew the continent’s free-trade agreement.
The AMU Aluminum Summit aims to become a key gathering for North America's industrial metals community.
Construction on the smelter had been slated to begin by the end of the year, with production by the end of the decade.
The project is expected to increase annual primary aluminum production capacity by approximately 160,000 metric tons, bringing the facility’s total capacity to 220,000 metric tons.
China accounts for about 60% of global aluminum output. It has in recent years capped annual production at 45 million tons to curb industrial overcapacity.
The global smelting industry has been shaken by a swath of rapidly shifting geopolitical developments, from the ongoing war in the Middle East to the skyrocketing demand for data centers.
Novelis expects a “total negative cash flow impact” of $1.7 billion from the fires, including repair, clean-up and idle worker costs, according to an investor filing.
Chinese authorities are now moving to rein in that over-production as inventories swell.
They attribute much of the decline to output cuts linked to the Iran conflict, which have significantly affected one of the key producing hubs.
For the full fiscal year, net sales climbed 7% to $18.4 billion, while rolled product shipments declined 5% to 3.56 million tonnes.
Demand for extruded aluminum products declined 3.1%, while sheet, plate, foil, and electrical cable categories registered moderate gains.
The LME 3-month Asian Reference Price, on the other hand, rose by USD 6 per tonne or 0.2 per cent, rising to USD 3,569 per tonne from USD 3,563 per tonne.
The company representative underscored that adopting these sustainable manufacturing standards directly supports more resilient, smart, and cost-effective urban infrastructure development.