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China's alumina shipment to Russia in March spurts up due to Western-led sanctions

On Wednesday, April 20, custom statistics indicated that China’s alumina shipment to Russia heightened by more than 90 times in March compared to the same month a year ago, as sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine cut off some of its customary supply.

According to the General Administration of Customs, China transported 9,949 tonnes of alumina to Russia in March, up from 104.5 tonnes in the same month in 2021. Last month its overall alumina exports increased by 180 percent year on year to 12,955 tonnes.

When compared to China's monthly output of around six million tonnes, the amount is still insignificant. However, as part of Western-led sanctions against Russia, Australia placed an export embargo on alumina and aluminium ores to Russia.

Analysts had predicted that Russia would obtain the chemical from China, but there are obstacles, since China must first meet local demand and may be concerned about secondary penalties from the West. China's March imports of refined metal, scrap, and ores were also revealed in the customs report.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/china-s-alumina-shipment-to-russia-in-march-spurts-up-due-to-western-led-sanctions-79203

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China experiences 50% inflation in unwrought aluminium alloy imports

In March 2022, China imported 120,600 tonnes of unwrought aluminium alloy, up by 54.5 per cent Y-o-Y and 31.3 per cent M-o-M, according to China General Administration of Customs. The imports in the first quarter of 2022 totalled 329,000 tonnes, going up by 50.2 per cent, year on year.

China exported 18,300 tonnes of unwrought aluminium alloy in March, up by 2.1 per cent Y-o-Y and 55.6 per cent M-o-M. In Q1 2022, exports stood at 38,000 per tonne, down by 21.4 per cent Y-o-Y.

Malaysia, South Korea and India exported a lion share of unwrought aluminium alloy to China in March 2022. The import ratio from these countries declined slightly in comparison with the previous two months. From Malaysia, China imported 23,400 tonnes which accounted for 19 per cent of the total imports, while from South Korea and India, China secured 17,900 tonnes, almost 15 per cent of the total haul. Exports travelled mainly to Japan.

Among the three main aluminium alloy importing provinces in China, Zhejiang imported 50,900 tonnes of unwrought aluminium alloy in March, or 43 per cent of the total intake, while Guangdong imported 26,600 tonnes or 22 per cent, and Jiangsu imported 11,600 tonnes or 10 per cent.

Nevertheless, the import and export quantity of unwrought aluminium alloys in March 2022 projected an increase, both on a year-on-year and month-on-month basis.

Due to various conditions such as holidays and imports being at loss in February, the March imports rebounded to more than 100,000 tonnes, showcasing M-o-M increase. In Q1 2021, imported alloys faced a loss of more than RMB 300-500 per tonne; also, the importers were less focused on performance. Therefore, the import this year has shown a Y-o-Y increase.

Subjected to higher domestic prices and reduced production due to chip shortage and pandemic in Japan or other countries, the first quarter of this year witnessed a demand decline. In fact, exports of aluminium alloy ingots dropped 21.4 per cent compared with Q1 2021. 

The oversees crisis has deepened in March due to certain geopolitical factors, causing aluminium supply shortage and stimulating the LME aluminium price hike.

Globally ADC12 value rose to a new height of US$3,200 per tonne.

The import prices were still gaining momentum in spite of the recent pull-down, amounting in lesser import orders. Imports of aluminium alloy ingots are expected to fall in April.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/china-experiences-50-inflation-in-unwrought-aluminium-alloy-imports-79219

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Con-form breaks traditional mould for roof-mounting mechanical equipment with lightweight aluminium supply from Capral

The one-stop-shop for lightweight mechanical plant platform and roof access solutions, Con-form Group outstripped traditional roof-mounting mechanical equipment in 2014 and has not to retrospect ever.

Nigel Cro, the Managing Director of Con-form Group said, “People will drive along on a highway overpass and there are a lot of things on roofs that you see; now if you don’t see those things, that’s because we’ve done a good job – that’s our goal.”

As it is very much known that the Industrial HVAC systems are heavy and most often noisy. Now, the industry pioneer and leader Con-form Group delivers an engineered solution for the structure to cater for the weight on rooftop installations and additionally deliver acoustic solutions to restrain environmental noise. Con-form Group’s lightweight aluminium plant platforms and screens are now found on industrial, commercial and public infrastructure roofs right around Australia.

The Bathurst-based business was initiated more than 20 years ago and employs approximately 35 staff. In 2014, the Con-form Group team developed an industry-leading lightweight roof-mounting platform system for mechanical equipment.

Nigel stated, “It was painful to see large structural steel sections getting craned onto roofs laboriously day after day, piece by piece and the danger and the logistics involved. And I remember just looking at that and saying, ‘There just has to be a better way.’ Why can´t we go to a lightweight structural system that removes a lot of this pain?”

Nigel explains that from his perspective, roofs and aluminium are something that goes together very well. Aluminium is lightweight but can be engineered as part of a structural solution. Aluminium is an inherently non-corrosive material, well suited to Australian roofs subjected to harsh environmental conditions.

The Con-form Group team pride itself on being able to innovate and rapidly develop bespoke solutions for their clients. Employing a skilled team of engineers, draftspersons, fabricators and installers and encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation.

“Your employees are your biggest asset – that is true. That will never change, it doesn't matter what sort of building you operate from, or what sort of machinery have. Your biggest asset, your most valuable asset will always be your team. So we´ve gone through it very carefully and picked our team. Those individual people have to share the same culture and the same values that we as business owners do,” Nigel said.

Nigel describes the agility of his team as being unprecedented. “I can go to our structural engineer who can do up a preliminary design sketch, and send that through to the CAD team to draw it. It goes down to the machinery, which is fully automated, and I can have a sample on my desk within an hour. It´s as quick as that and that is very, very rarely seen.”

Equally important to Con-form’s business and success are strong industry partnerships with key suppliers. Nigel emphasises the importance of cultural fit and the significance this plays in selecting suppliers Con-form Group will partner with.

Nigel added, “We're very proud to be an Australian manufacturer. In years gone past, we like a lot of companies purchased a lot of things from offshore. But as we realised what the importance to our customer is in timing as well as the value of getting things local, we´ve brought a lot of things in the house.”

Capral Aluminium is a key supplier to Con-form Group providing a regular supply of standard and exclusive aluminium sections along with aluminium sheet and mesh products. Custom extrusions are key elements in the solutions Con-form create, and Capral works hand in glove with the Con-form team to assist in the development of exclusive extruded sections and ensure the business receives consistent and regular supply to its regionally located manufacturing site.

For Nigel, the value of a strong partner like Capral is not limited to reliable material supply, “We get more value than a pallet of aluminium from Capral. That´s really where we´re at, and that comes back to the culture again. What can we exchange as industry colleagues between each other, rather than simply being a supplier that a truck comes in and it drops off something and you pay for it? That´s not what we’re about. We need to exchange data between ourselves so that we can grow together as industry partners.”

There have been significant changes within the Australian aluminium industry over the past 24 months as many Australian manufacturers grapple with material import issues and supply shortages not to mention turbulent aluminium pricing and LME fluctuations. These changes are significant for manufacturers like Con-form who rely heavily on their ability to procure aluminium to manufacture and satisfy customer needs in a timely fashion.

Capral’s NSW Industrial Market Manager Mark Murray works closely with the Con-form team to ensure their needs are being consistently met and they are abreast of changing industry dynamics.

“Mark came out to visit us today, and that´s always great because things are changing so fast in the industry, extremely fast. Quicker than we can almost keep up with. Mark, he´s just a wealth of knowledge so I took that time to try and draw a lot of things out of him that I didn´t know, and that helped us as a company,” says Nigel, emphasising the value of this supplier partnership for his business.

Con-form Group stands out in the market for its solution focus and as a regional Australian manufacturer using Australian materials, ingenuity and labour. But more importantly, what they nail every minute of every day is their focus on what the customer is trying to achieve rather than simply responding to an order. ʺAny roof, any pitch, any weight, anywhere,” Nigel says, “that’s our promise, we will create the solution our clients need, and we are glad to have partners like Capral to support us.”

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/con-form-breaks-traditional-mould-for-roof-mounting-mechanical-equipment-with-lightweight-aluminium-supply-from-capral-79218

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Aluminium billet inventory in China plummets by 11.37% W-o-W to 119,100 tonnes

On Thursday, April 21, China’s aluminium billet inventories plunged by 11.37 percent W-o-W to stop at 119,100 tonnes. East China's transportation efficiency is unlikely to increase considerably in the near future, keeping stocks relatively steady. The peak season in south China drove destocking. As downstream purchasers stock up for the impending Labour Day vacation, overall inventories are projected to continue to drop.

The chart below indicates the current status of aluminium billet inventories across China in more detail:

In Foshan the inventory plunged by 18,900 tonnes to come in at 44,500 tonnes. For the same day in Wuxi the inventory had fallen by 1,200 tonnes to stop at 38,300 tonnes.

In Changzhou the inventory slumped by 1,900 tonnes to total at 12,600 tonnes. In Huzhou the inventory remained restrained to peg at 14,000 tonnes. The aluminium billet inventory in Nanchang dropped by 5,300 tonnes to settle at 9,700 tonnes.

Only truck drivers with 48-hour negative nucleic acid test results were permitted to enter Foshan, although truckers from Guangxi and Yunnan were hesitant to do so for fear of not being able to return. Demand in east China was still stifled, and transportation efficiency had not fully recovered due to the pandemic's effects. In Nanchang, restrictive demand drove downstream purchases.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/aluminium-billet-inventory-in-china-plummets-by-11-37-w-o-w-to-119-100-tonnes-79217

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China’s primary aluminium inventories continue to fall by 42000 tonnes W-o-W as purchase recovers after pandemic

According to the Shanghai Metals Market, social inventories of primary aluminium in China continued to record week-on-week fall since the last drop of 3,000 tonnes on the previous Thursday, April 14. But compared to the prior week, the inventories fell extensively this Thursday by 42,000 tonnes across eight major Chinese consumption areas, including SHFE warrants, to come in at 1.02 million tonnes. Gongyi saw the highest downfall in inventories as it experienced normal arrivals and increased sales. Downstream producers became willing to stock up after the pandemic situation improved slightly, allowing inventories of aluminium ingots to continue to fall.

The chart below indicates the current status of primary aluminium inventories across China in more details:

So, as the chart suggests, primary aluminium inventories in Gongyi plummeted by 33,000 tonnes W-o-W on April 22 to stand at 87,000 tonnes, followed by the decrease of 6,000 tonnes in Nanhai to score at 194,000 tonnes. In Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Chongqing, primary aluminium inventories fell by 3,000 tonnes, 2,000 tonnes, and 1,000 tonnes, respectively, to settle at 63,000 tonnes, 57,000 tonnes, and 6,000 tonnes.

However, on the other hand, some Chinese provinces saw hikes in inventories, such as Wuxi and Tianjin. While in Wuxi, inventories grew by 2,000 tonnes on the week to stand at 55,000 tonnes; in Tianjin, inventories slipped by 1,000 tonnes to close at 6,000 tonnes.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/chinas-primary-aluminium-inventories-continue-to-fall-by-42000-tonnes-w-o-w-as-purchase-recovers-after-pandemic-79216

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Ghana invites Indian mineral refining firms to explore investment lines

The West African nation Ghana, which gained independence as the first sub-Saharan nation has invited Indian organizations in the capacity of mineral refining including bauxite among other minerals like gold, lithium, diamond, crude oil and manganese.​ to explore investment paths.

Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, the High Commissioner of Ghana in India, while speaking at an interactive session organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center, Mumbai and All India Association of Industries said, “We are willing to offer mining leases and export licenses for refining gold and other raw materials to Indian companies.”

The High Commissioner further added, “Indians have already set up business in timber, teak, cashew processing, steel manufacturing and IT sectors. The African nation has a fair and transparent judicial system and it ranks first in ease of doing business in West Africa and fifth in Africa.”

Ernest Nana Adjei, the Minister Consular of Political and Economic, Ghana High Commission stated, “Indian companies can get a 10-year tax holiday by investing in free zones and exporting at least 70% of production.”

As per projection by International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ghana's economy which ranks first in gold mining in Africa and globally seventh is anticipated to grow 5.1% from 2021 to 23.

Vijay Kalantri, the Chairman of MVIRDC WTC Mumbai and President, AIAI said, “It is time India launched an ‘Act Africa’ policy on the lines of Look East Policy and Look South Policy. India and Japan can also collaborate to become a trilateral group with Africa to bring together the natural resource & labour of Africa, capital from Japan and expertise from India.”

“India can be a promising business partner for Ghana as other foreign countries’ investments are not enough to support that country’s growth potential.”

The Chairman also notified that the present bilateral trade level of USD 2.4 billion is low and it can be diversified away from gold, cocoa and diamond.​

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/ghana-invites-indian-mineral-refining-firms-to-explore-investment-lines-79215

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Log9 battery maker from Bengaluru announces an aluminium-ion cells manufacturing plant

Log9, a nanotech and battery specialist from Bengaluru has announced the plan for a manufacturing plant that would produce cells to ultimately power low-cost EVs, such as two and three wheelers. This would be the first of its kind in India.

The company conducts heavy research and produces prototypes of native Aluminium-ion battery cells in the country. Aluminium-ion cells are more dense (translating to more range), safe and less prone to fires than the largely used Lithium-ion cells that are ruling the market at this moment. Moreover the greatest advantage of using aluminium in the Indian sub-continent is that this material can be abundantly found here.  

With the rising demand for electric cars in India, its accessories must not be outsourced but till date, China has been the largest exporter of batteries and other technologies to India. In the coming years, India would need more components to cater to its electric vehicle market, like, batteries, cells, motors and other paraphernalia. It is high time for the Indians to come up with something both indigenous and genius to cope with the foreign hierarchy.  

Log9 is on a journey to change India’s EV market with this new plant which will be the largest cell fabrication centre in South Asia aiming to achieve at least 50MWh of cell production capacity in the next year with a growth of over 5GWh in the next 3-5 years.  

The RapidX battery packs produced at Log9’s new fabrication center are claimed to have inbuilt Instacharge technology (the company’s patent), along with unique features such as 9 times faster charging, better performance and battery life than regular Lithium-ion batteries.

While addressing the event, Akshay Singhal, Co-Founder & CEO of Log9 Materials quoted, “We at Log9 are extremely proud and happy to launch India’s first cell manufacturing line, which reflects a giant leap forward in empowering India with all the flexibility and scale that would be required to give the country the right impetus for ushering its EV-led future. Thus, for Log9, Day Zero marks the day that will usher in a new era of India-made cells for India. This special Day also marks our 7th anniversary and is therefore presented as a culmination of the groundbreaking efforts by LogNiners throughout our seven-year-long journey so far. Our cells have been designed grounds-up in India, for India; and this means that Log9’s cells and batteries are the best suited for Indian operating conditions, climate and customers, and hence they are going to play a crucial role in making India self-reliant while helping the nation realize its ambitious electric mobility vision. With the momentum garnered from Log9’s Day Zero event, we will be going onwards and upwards and pledge to do everything possible to enable our country to accelerate and lead within the intersectional areas of e-mobility, EV-tech, clean energy and clean tech, sustainability and deep technologies.”

Log9 is also looking into new pathways of technological research, such as new battery cell form factors. It also claims to have built batteries suitable for the Indian weather conditions, keeping temperature and harshness in mind that the foreign companies do not care about.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/log9-battery-maker-from-bengaluru-announces-an-aluminium-ion-cells-manufacturing-plant-79214

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US aluminium plates, sheets and bars import for January’22 hikes by 33.17% Y-o-Y

In January 2022 a total of 112,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars was imported to the United States. On a month-on-month scale a growth of 3,000 tonnes or 2.75 percent was witnessed. As per the USGS data, for December 2021 the total amount of aluminium plates, sheets and bars imported to the US stopped at 109,000 tonnes, which was followed by a month-on-month plunge of 10,000 tonnes or 8.40 percent from 119,000 tonnes in November 2021.

In January 2022 the total amount of aluminium plates, sheets and bars imported to the United States was recorded at 112,000 tonnes, which on a year-on-year calculation augmented by 27,900 tonnes or 33.17 percent from 84,100 tonnes in January 2021.

For the complete year of 2021, the total amount of aluminium plates, sheets and bars imported to the US halted at 1290,000 tonnes.

China shipped the highest amount of aluminium plates, sheets and bars to US for January 2022. The amount was recorded at 17,600 tonnes which on a month-on-month scale surged by 600 tonnes or 3.52 percent from 17,000 tonnes in January 2021. On a year-on-year forefront, there was a huge jump of 10,640 tonnes or 152.87 percent from 6,960 tonnes in January 2021.

In January 2022 a total of 33,100 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars was exported from the United States, which on a month-on-month scale declined by 7,400 tonnes or 18.27 percent from 40,500 tonnes in December 2021. Also, on a year-on-year calculation a slump of 22,800 tonnes or 40.78 percent was recorded from 55,900 tonnes in January 2021.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/us-aluminium-plates-sheets-and-bars-import-for-january22-hikes-by-33-17-y-o-y-79213

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NALCO grows aluminium ingot price by INR2100/t on April 21 in response to three back-to-back hikes in LME

National Aluminium Company Limited has revised its aluminium ingot and aluminium products prices since its last cut on April 12. With effect from Thursday, April 21, NALCO has increased its aluminium ingot price by INR 2,100 per tonne or 0.75 per cent to sell it at INR 282,650-286,150 per tonne. On April 12, the price was at INR 280,550- 284,050 per tonne after being sharply cut by INR 15,700 per tonne.

NALCO’s aluminium wire rod price has also seen a raise of INR 2,100 per tonne to INR 285,150-289,500 per tonne as against INR 283,050- 287,400 per tonne on April 12. Aluminium billets price has come in at INR 286,100-288,750 per tonne, up by the same amount from INR 284,000- 286,650 per tonne.

NALCO links its aluminium ingot and aluminium products prices to the three-month future price of aluminium on the London Metal Exchange. So, in response to the growth in LME aluminium price by US$25.50 per tonne from US$3,214.50 per tonne on April 12 to US$3,240 on April 22, NALCO has raised its aluminium prices. However, on a month-on-month calculation, the LME aluminium benchmark price is down by US$278 per tonne than US$3,518 per tonne.

NALCO’s aluminium products and alumina account for nearly two-thirds of the company’s gross topline, while the sales of chemicals contribute to the rest. NALCO manufactures wire rods, billets, coils, and chequered sheets.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/nalco-grows-aluminium-ingot-price-by-inr2100-t-on-april-21-in-response-to-three-back-to-back-hikes-in-lme-79212

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Alumina Limited claims ‘Medium Term Outlook’ is best for the aluminium market

Alumina Limited which owns a 40% non-operating stake in Alcoa World Alumina Chemicals’, is aiming higher at this moment with the increasing demand for alumina and the rising aluminium prices despite the supply disruption.

Russian metal industry giant, Rusal is being trampled under the European sanctions and Australian bans moreover, the closing of its only Ukrainian Refinery Nikolaev is hammering hard on the Company. Plus, Covid issues, production delays and Chinese environmental measures have together contributed to the rise of aluminium prices as explained by Alumina CEO Mike Ferraro.

“The alumina market price reached over $530 per tonne in March 2022 and averaged $498 per tonne for that month. The API currently sits at $371 per tonne, still well above the average price of $329 per tonne in 2021,” remarked Ferraro.

The distributions from AWAC to the ASX-listed Alumina were US$115.5 million in Q1 taking its total for the year to be US$141.2 million to date, with stable expectations through the month of May.

Though Ferraro agreed that supply demands might have caused fluctuations in the pricing system over the past years but a medium-term outlook could support a supply-demand imbalance in the years to come.

 “The medium-term outlook for the alumina market is strong. Over the next five years, the expected and potential increase in primary aluminium production is 5.9 million tonnes per annum outside China due to industrial growth and a decarbonizing world.”

“This would require around 11 million tonnes per annum of extra alumina. Only 3 million tonnes per annum of additional alumina production is currently committed outside China in the next few years”, he added.

Ferraro’s wit tells him that China will take a long time to bring on new capacity outside the Middle Kingdom since it only exports at high prices. This primaeval practice can eventually lead to regional supply deficits.

“The global energy transition and growth in aluminium metal consumption driven by de-carbonization are positive for the alumina ​industry.”

These fundamental positives for the medium term reinforce the value of already established alumina assets which have long term energy, with ready access to bauxite, such as AWAC”, he concluded.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/alumina-limited-claims-medium-term-outlook-is-best-for-the-aluminium-market-79211

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African aluminium smelters witness decreased production in Q1 2022 in comparison with Q4 2021

Total aluminium production worldwide for the month of March 2022 has been 5.693 million tonnes with a rise of 10.35 per cent than 5.118 million tonnes in the previous month. African production of aluminium has been on steep upward rise from 123,000 tonnes in February 2022 to 136,000 tonnes in March 2022.

Africa has increased aluminium production by 13,000 tonnes in March, bringing the total production to 398,000 tonnes in Q1 2022. That was an increase of 3.38 per cent from 385,000 tonnes in Q1 2021.

But comparing the worldwide production of 1Q2021 and 1Q2022, we find the primary aluminium output was on a decline since collection in Q1 2021 amounted up to 16.786 million tonnes, whereas in Q1 2022, it was 16.459 million tonnes.

Surprisingly enough keeping the exact time span in mind, for the years 2021 and 2022, we can infer, Africa did witness a minimal rise in aluminium production. While the total keep for the Q1 2021 in Africa was 385,000 tonnes, it escalated really quickly to become 398,000 tonnes in the year Q1 2022.

When we calculate, it comes to our attention that 67.243 million tonnes of primary aluminium was produced in 2021, worldwide, which is quite a huge number to cross this year since the prevailing war-like situation may become ruthless for the global metal market.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/african-aluminium-smelters-witness-decreased-production-in-q1-2022-in-comparison-with-q4-2021-79210

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Bauxite exports to China unleashes new high in Q1'22, imports up by 15.4% Y-o-Y

Bauxite exports to China reached new highs in the first quarter of 2022, expanding at a rate of 12.8 per cent annual pace between 2017 and 2021, much surpassing all other commodities, which rose at a combined rate of only 4.3 per cent each year. Bauxite arrivals climbed 13.6 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, with exports from Guinea accounting for 57 per cent of total volumes.

“In the first quarter of 2022, China’s bauxite imports hit record levels, increasing 15.4% y/y. This is in stark contrast to China’s total bulk imports which, excluding bauxite, dropped by 10.5% y/y,” said Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.

The demand for bauxite imports has remained strong so far in 2022, and the price of aluminium has risen to its highest level in 14 years. Aluminium prices have surpassed US$ 3,000 per tonne for the first time since 2008 as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which is projected to lead to an increase in local aluminium output.

“If the government succeeds in establishing large alumina refineries in Guinea, bulk shipping patterns will change. It takes four tonnes of bauxite to produce one tonne of alumina, which would cause a decline in the number of shipments between Guinea and China,” says Rasmussen.

The aluminium supply chain may change again in the long run, since Guinea's interim government has challenged multinational mining businesses in the country. Mining firms must propose investment plans for alumina refining units by May 2022, according to the military junta.

“Despite being named for the Guinean port, Kamsarmaxes play only a very small role in the Guinea-China shipments and Capesizes are the main beneficiary of China’s demand for the commodity, carrying a little more than 70% of all volumes,” added Rasmussen.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/bauxite-exports-to-china-unleashes-new-high-in-q1-22-imports-up-by-15-4-y-o-y-79209

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Hawaiian Airlines replaces plastic with aluminium water bottles in partnership with Mananalu

The largest operator of commercial flights to and from the U.S. state of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is offering recyclable aluminium water bottles to replace plastic containers.

The Honolulu-based commercial airline is on a run to minimize plastic waste and make it happen by partnering with Jason Mamoa's founded water company Mananalu.

Hawaiian Airlines will replace plastic water bottles with infinitely recyclable aluminium containers in its Premium Cabin from 20th April onwards. The airline is providing Mananalu’s 16-ounce aluminium bottles to its premium guests on all flights to the US East Coast and also international destinations.

Avi Mannis, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Hawaiian Airlines, commented, “We have remained steadfast in our commitment to source more sustainable products for our onboard service, and our Mananalu partnership helps us continue to phase out single-use plastics and protect our oceans and environment.”

According to estimates of the airlines, it will be proficient to replace around 142,000 plastic bottles from its transpacific operations per year based on this partnership.

A certified carbon neutral company, Mananalu is a member of the 1% for the Planet group, and it will cleanse the ocean of an equal number of bottles, resulting in an additional 142,000 bottles removed.

The American actor and filmmaker, Jason Momoa founded Mananalu in 2019 in collaboration with the Ball Corporation, the world's largest provider of sustainable aluminium beverage packing. Mananalu is supporting the​​ spread of awareness about the impact of plastics on the environment.

The company uses BPA-free aluminium for its bottles as metal aluminium is considered the most recyclable material in the world, with around 75% of all aluminium produced still in use as of today.

David Cuthbert, the CEO of Mananalu, while commenting on the partnership with Hawaiian Airlines said, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Hawaiian Airlines. Together we’re reducing single-use plastic bottles on flights and removing plastic from our oceans. It’s perfect brand alignment." ​

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/hawaiian-airlines-replaces-plastic-with-aluminium-water-bottles-in-partnership-with-mananalu-79208

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Average alumina price in China expands to RMB3010/t after a restraint last day; but A00 aluminium ingot price drops by RMB30/t

The average alumina spot price in China has recorded an increase of RMB 4 per tonne on Friday, April 22, following a restraint on the previous day. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the price has closed the week at RMB 3,010 per tonne.

However, the alumina price growth has not touched upon all the major Chinese provinces, except Shandong, Guangxi, and Henan. In Shandong, alumina spot price has elevated by RMB 15 per tonne to stand at RMB 3,005 per tonne, while the price in Guangxi and Henan has grown by RMB 10 per tonne and RMB 5 per tonne to RMB 3,000 per tonne and RMB 3,060 per tonne, respectively.

Meanwhile, A00 aluminium ingot price in China has dropped by RMB 30 per tonne to stand at RMB 21,800 per tonne on Friday, April 22. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 21,780 per tonne and RMB 21,820 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a premium price of RMB 80-40 per tonne, found SMM.

But not all Chinese provinces have witnessed primary aluminium price drop on April 22. For instance, the ingot price in Shenyang has expanded by RMB 40 per tonne to settle at RMB 21,820 per tonne, followed by the increase of RMB 30 per tonne in Chongqing and Gongyi to rest to RMB 21,890 per tonne and RMB 21,860 per tonne, respectively. In Tianjin, primary aluminium ingot price has climbed by RMB 20 per tonne to close at RMB 21,800 per tonne.

On the other hand, cities like Wuxi, Hanzhou, Foshan, and Linyi have witnessed a drop in the primary aluminium ingot price. In Wuxi, the price has shrunk by RMB 35 per tonne to settle at RMB 21,790 per tonne, followed by the decline of RMB 30 per tonne in Hangzhou to RMB 21,920 per tonne and RMB 20 per tonne in Foshan and Linyi to RMB 21,940 per tonne and RMB 21,900 per tonne, respectively.

Aluminium alloy (A356) price has also registered a downfall on April 22 by RMB 50 per tonne to come in at RMB 22,950 per tonne, learned SMM. The average prices are estimated to range between RMB 22,800 per tonne and RMB 23,100 per tonne. But aluminium alloys (ADC12) price and aluminium alloy (A380) price have recorded no change from the previous day and remained muted at RMB 21,800 per tonne and RMB 22,800 per tonne, respectively.

source https://www.alcircle.com/press-release/average-alumina-price-in-china-expands-to-rmb3010-t-after-a-restraint-last-day-but-a00-aluminium-ingot-price-drops-by-rmb30-t-79207

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Trimet Aluminium France receives ASI Performance Standard Certification

Trimet France's Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Castelsarrasin sites in France have received ASI Performance Standard Certification for the development, manufacture, and sale of aluminium in the form of wire rods, slabs, and ingots, as well as the production of molten aluminium and the manufacture of anodes. Trimet France is one of the country's only two principal aluminium manufacturers. The facilities' combined yearly output capacity is roughly 150,000 tonnes.

“ASI congratulates Trimet France on achieving Performance Standard Certification. These plants’ aluminium products make vehicles and planes lighter and more economical, wind turbines and electrical installations more efficient, and buildings and packaging more environmentally friendly. ASI Performance Standard Certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to implementing industry-leading ESG criteria in their production processes,” said Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer at ASI.

The ASI Certification Programme is the first voluntary sustainability standard project for the aluminium value chain. Under the three sustainability pillars of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) it establishes 59 criteria that address critical concerns such as biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples' rights, labour rights and safety.

“The certification of our production plants in France in accordance with the strict ASI requirements confirms our efforts to further develop sustainably produced materials. Sustainability is a key factor in determining our ability to compete. As a manufacturer of aluminium with a low carbon footprint, we are enabling climate-friendly products, securing the future of our sites and contributing to global climate protection goals,” said Philipp Schlüter, Chairman of the Executive Board of Trimet Aluminium SE and President of Trimet France SAS.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/trimet-aluminium-france-receives-asi-performance-standard-certification-79206

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LME on rise again closing at US$3262/t; SHFE falls for three straight days to US$3384/t

LME aluminium opened at US$3,269 per tonne on Thursday and closed at US$3,302.5 per tonne, an increase of US$39.5 per tonne or 1.21 per cent.

On 21st April, LME aluminium cash bid price stood at US$3,261 per tonne and LME aluminium official settlement price halted at US$3,262. The former recorded a hike of 0.68 per cent or US$22 per tonne and the latter too had the same amount or percentage rise.

3-month bid price stood at US$3,275 cruising upwards by 0.83 per cent or US$27 and 3-month offer price came in at US$3,276 per tonne rising by US$26 per tonne or 0.8 per cent.  

On the same day, December 23 bid price settled at US$3,125 per tonne and December 23 offer price at US$3,130 per tonne. The bid price went up by 0.97 per cent or US$30 per tonne, the official price too had the same amount added with a similar percentage change.

LME aluminium opening stock continued to decrease from 592,175 tonnes to 589,725 tonnes or by 0.41 per cent as of 21st April. Live warrants totalled 369,550 tonnes recording 11,325 tonnes or 2.97 per cent less than the previous day whereas, Cancelled warrants read 220,175 tonnes after gaining 8,875 tonnes or 4.2 per cent.

The LME aluminium 3-month Asian Reference Price increased by 0.43 per cent or US$14.14 per tonne to stop at US$3,266.64 per tonne.

SHFE aluminium price 

Today, on 22nd April, the benchmark aluminium price for SHFE has fallen by US$18 per tonne or 0.53 per cent to stand at US$3,384 per tonne if compared with the data collected yesterday.

The most-traded SHFE 2206 aluminium contract opened at RMB 21,950 per tonne overnight and rose to RMB 21,955 per tonne before closing at RMB 21,940 per tonne, up RMB 165 per tonne or 0.76 per cent.

The most-traded SHFE 2206 aluminium closed down 0.11 per cent or RMB 25 per tonne to RMB 21,775 per tonne, with open interest up 15,647 lots to 182,639 lots.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/lme-on-rise-again-closing-at-us3262-t-shfe-falls-for-three-straight-days-to-us3384-t-79205

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China’s primary aluminium exports in March'22 grow exponentially Y-o-Y to 42300 tonnes backed on decreased overseas output

According to the Shanghai Metals Market, China imported 39,400 tonnes of primary aluminium in March 2022, which reflected a sharp rise of 115 per cent month-on-month but a downfall of 55.1 per cent year-on-year. In contrast, China’s exports of primary aluminium grew year-on-year by 5571 per cent in March 2022 to 42,300 tonnes and increased by 60 per cent over a month.

In the entire first quarter of 2022 ended March 31, primary aluminium imports totalled 96,600 tonnes, down by 71 per cent year-on-year, while exports amounted to 73,000 tonnes, up by 3017 per cent.

As per SMM’s calculation, 44.8 per cent of primary aluminium was imported under general trade, while another 38.7 per cent was from cargoes under special customs supervision areas. China primarily imported from Russia, India, and Australia this year.

At the end of second quarter, China’s domestic resumed aluminium capacity is expected to continue releasing output, with total operating capacity at 40.6 million tonnes, close to a level in the same period last year. Hence, the demand for imported aluminium ingots will fall sharply. Furthermore, the ongoing geopolitical crisis and energy shortage may reduce overseas output, which will also lower the aluminium import volume to China.

Since the end of last year, the SHFE/LME aluminium price ratio has been hovering at a low level due to the closure of primary aluminium import window. Till now, the aluminium ingot import loss is close to RMB 2,500 per tonne.

SMM data shows nearly 71,000 tonnes of ordinary aluminium ingots were exported in Q1 this year, most of which were cargoes in special customs supervision area.

In Q2, domestic aluminium output is estimated to exceed the level in the same period last year, but exports are likely to be limited due to restrictions by export tariffs. So, there is not much expectation for a substantial increase in primary aluminium exports. Imports are likely to maintain a year-on-year decline.

source https://www.alcircle.com/news/chinas-primary-aluminium-exports-in-march-22-grow-exponentially-y-o-y-to-42300-tonnes-backed-on-decreased-overseas-output-79204