In a recent revelation by the International Aluminium Institute, data for November 2023 indicates a notable trend in the alumina industry. Africa & Asia’s alumina production, excluding China, for the January to November period of 2023, has trailed behind the previous year’s output by 1.9 percent. This decline in production highlights a shift in the dynamics of the aluminium industry, particularly in these regions. The comparative figures are telling. While the same period in 2022 saw a production of 12.663 million metric tons (approximately 13.95 million short tons) of alumina, 2023’s outp ..read more

U.S. President Joe Biden has officially extended the suspension of tariffs on European Union (EU) steel and aluminium for an additional two years, a move aimed at prolonging negotiations over issues related to overcapacity and eco-friendly production. This decision comes as a significant development in the ongoing trade relations between the United States and the European Union. Initially, the United States had imposed a 25% import tariff on EU steel and a 10% tariff on EU aluminium, effective from January 2022. These tariffs were originally introduced by former President Donald Trump and have ..read more

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is on track to surpass its 2022 primary aluminium production levels. As per the latest data from the International Aluminium Institute, the GCC’s primary aluminium production for the year-to-date (Y-T-D) in 2023 has reached an impressive 5.603 million metric tons. This figure marks a 0.90 percent increase from the 5.553 million metric tons recorded in the same period last year. Despite a month-on-month decrease in November 2023, where production fell by 12,000 metric tons (or approximately 2.37 percent) to 506,000 metric tons, the overall trend remains positi ..read more

In a significant ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panel, Turkey has been instructed to withdraw additional duties imposed on imports from the United States. This decision came after the panel found Turkey’s retaliatory measures against U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs “inconsistent” with WTO policies. The dispute, deeply entwined with global aluminium trade dynamics, marks a critical juncture in ongoing international trade tensions. On Tuesday, the WTO panel explicitly stated, “The Panel recommends that Turkey bring its WTO-inconsistent measure into conformity with its obli ..read more

Austal Limited, a leading shipbuilding company, recently announced a significant contract award from the United States Navy. The contract, valued at US$867.6 million (approximately A$1.28 billion), is for the final design and construction of three Expeditionary Medical Ships (EMS). This contract marks a substantial advancement in the naval capabilities of the United States, focusing on medical support and operations at sea. The EMS, an innovative design based on Austal’s proven Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform, represents a significant step forward in naval medical support. The ship ..read more

Norsk Hydro ASA, a leading company in the aluminium industry, has announced a substantial impairment in its fourth quarter financial results, totaling approximately NOK 5.9 billion (US$660 million). This decision comes in response to a combination of challenging market conditions in the alumina sector and uncertainties surrounding power prices in Australia. The company will write down the value of several key assets, including goodwill in its Bauxite & Alumina (B&A) operations in Brazil, property, plant, and equipment related to the Alunorte alumina refinery and Paragominas bauxite min ..read more

In a significant move that reshapes the European aluminium industry, MYTILINEOS has become the largest bauxite producer in the European Union. This development follows the Hellenic Competition Commission’s approval for MYTILINEOS to acquire 100% of the shares of IMERYS BAUXITES GREECE SINGLE MEMBER SOCIETE ANONYME, known as IMERYS BAUXITES. The decision, rendered on 5.9.2023 under no. 837/2023, marks a notable consolidation in the sector. The merger integrates IMERYS BAUXITES’ operations with those of MYTILINEOS’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Delphi Distomon, thereby creating the largest bauxite pr ..read more

In a significant development in international trade, the European Union and the United States have reached an agreement to continue the suspension of tariffs on EU steel and aluminium. This extension, confirmed by the European Commission, is set to last until the end of March 2025. The decision effectively prolongs the detente in the trade dispute that has been ongoing since 2018. Under this 15-month extension, the United States has agreed to maintain its suspension of tariffs, which were initially set at 25% for EU steel and 10% for EU aluminium. These tariffs were introduced in 2018 by the t ..read more

Britain has announced the implementation of a new carbon import levy on certain products beginning in 2027. This move aims to safeguard domestic businesses against less expensive imports from countries with more lenient climate policies. The British government confirmed this development on Monday. The forthcoming carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) will be applicable to carbon-intensive products across several industries, including iron, steel, aluminium, fertiliser, hydrogen, ceramics, glass, and cement. The levy amount will be determined based on the carbon emissions involved in the pr ..read more

Australia’s recent move to add fluorine to its Critical Minerals List heralds a new chapter in the country’s resource management, particularly impacting the aluminium and renewable technology sectors. This significant inclusion was announced by ABx Group, indicating a likely increase in government support for industries utilizing fluorine. Fluorine, an element crucial in the processes of steelmaking and aluminium smelting, as well as in the production of solar PV cells and batteries, now gains greater prominence on the national stage. Despite Australia’s standing as the world’s fourth-largest ..read more