AlCircle: Latest downstream products news update

Monport brings advanced laser machine with the new Mega S and UV Laser Technology in Germany

Sun, 24 May 2026 06:30:00 +0530

Germany's laser engraving industry continues to adopt smarter manufacturing tools as demand rises for precision engraving, cutting, and marking applications. To support businesses ranging from creative workshops to industrial manufacturers, Monport is expanding its laser technology lineup with desktop CO₂ laser, industrial-grade fibre lasers, and new UV laser solutions.

The expansion reflects the growing need for versatile laser engraver machine systems that can handle everything from detailed engraving to professional laser cutting workflows across different materials. Leading the company's desktop CO₂ laser machine is the Monport Mega S, an upgraded version of the Mega 70W CO₂ laser machine.

Built for productivity and ease of use, the system now supports external LightBurn connectivity and includes a LiDAR-based autofocus system that automatically adjusts focus for accurate engraving at speeds up to 600 mm/s. The Monport Mega S also includes a five-minute visual light path setup, a 700 x 350 mm work area, intelligent fill technology, and panoramic camera integration to support efficient laser cutting and batch engraving projects.

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Monport is also strengthening its industrial fibre laser lineup with the GT 200W Split MOPA Autofocus Fibre Laser Engraver. Developed through customer feedback, the GT series offers- advanced, faster operation than the GPro series, improved heat dissipation, and precise 3D deep engraving performance for metalworking applications.

The GT 200W fibre laser supports black marking on aluminium, colour engraving on metal, and thin metal cutting up to 3 mm. Enhanced autofocus and precision optics help deliver cleaner and more consistent engraving results.

Beyond CO₂ and fibre laser technology, Monport is expanding into UV laser marking designed for cold marking applications. UV laser technology minimises heat impact on sensitive materials such as plastics, glass, and electronics, helping reduce material deformation while maintaining precise engraving quality.

As Germany's manufacturing and creative sectors continue investing in modern laser solutions, Monport's broader ecosystem highlights the industry's shift toward smarter, more adaptable laser technology for engraving and laser cutting applications. "Our goal is to make advanced laser technology more accessible, efficient, and practical for businesses of every size," said Monport CEO.

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Unionfab reduces the manufacturing time for metal parts in small batches from 30 days to just 5 days

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:30:00 +0530

Unionfab, a digital manufacturing platform, is further expanding its offering of industrial 3D metal printing services for customers in the United States, Canada, and Germany. Thanks to industrial multi-laser 3D printing systems for metal and an AI-driven manufacturing platform, Unionfab can reduce production cycles for select small-batch metal parts from over 30 days to as little as 5 days.

In light of the increasing demand for lightweight designs, complex geometries, and faster product iterations, additive manufacturing with metal is evolving from a high-end prototyping technology to a key process for small-batch industrial production. At the same time, sophisticated multi-laser printing systems, process optimisation through AI, and metal powder supply chains are contributing to significant improvements in the productivity and cost structure of metal 3D printing.

Unionfab, a subsidiary of UnionTech, a manufacturer of industrial 3D printers, has over 100 industrial metal 3D printing systems in operation, including four- and six-laser SLM systems that are now in series production. Compared to conventional two-laser systems, the latest multi-laser platforms can increase printing efficiency by up to 40 per cent while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs by approximately 30 per cent.

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Through proprietary AI technology for process pre-balancing, Unionfab has achieved high-speed printing with a layer thickness of 0.6 mm, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high density and consistent surface quality.

Unionfab supports various industrial-grade materials, including stainless steel (316L, 17-4PH), aluminum (AlSi10Mg, Al6061, Al901X), titanium (TC4), CuCrZr and Inconel (625, 718), etc. Their proprietary, aerospace-grade, high-strength aluminum alloy Al901X combines heat resistance, structural strength, and suitability for anodising, enabling small-batch production of end-use parts from aluminum alloys using metal 3D printing.

“In recent years, China’s metal 3D printing industry has undergone rapid technological advancement and industrial maturation. Continuous innovation among equipment manufacturers, material supply chains, and manufacturing service providers is driving rapid improvements in printing efficiency, process stability, and overall manufacturing costs,” emphasised Allen Yang, CEO of Unionfab. “We believe now is a crucial time for global manufacturers to reassess how they design and produce complex metal parts.”

With over 1,000 industrial 3D printers and more than 400 CNC machines in-house, Unionfab offers comprehensive manufacturing services. By integrating 3D printing, CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal fabrication, and rapid casting, the facility supports hardware developers from initial prototyping to series production.

Note: This article has been issued by PR Newswire and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Thatchman rolls out aluminium welding certification for complex vehicle repair technicians

Sat, 23 May 2026 03:30:00 +0530

Thatcham Research has launched a new aluminium welding certification programme aimed at helping vehicle repair technicians work on modern aluminium vehicle structures, including megacast components.

The certification has been introduced as vehicle manufacturers increasingly adopt aluminium-intensive designs and megacasting techniques to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce weight and support electric vehicle development.

Megacasting involves producing large sections of a vehicle body as a single aluminium casting instead of using multiple steel components. The process, first associated with Tesla, is now also being adopted by companies including Toyota and Ford.

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According to Thatcham Research, the new course focuses on aluminium vehicle construction and repair methods required for newer vehicle platforms.

The certification covers aluminium welding techniques, safety procedures, equipment setup, quality inspections and bonding methods. It also includes information related to megacast structures based on the organisation’s repairability studies and industry research.

Also read: Novelis aluminium hot mill plant in Oswego set to restart weeks ahead of schedule

The organisation said its 2025 research on megacasting repairability found that repairs can be cost-effective in some situations, but require specialised equipment, updated repair methods and technicians trained to handle aluminium structures correctly.

The programme also focuses on working safely with heat-sensitive materials and specialist welding systems used in aluminium vehicle repairs.

Graham Keep, who designed the course, said many technicians remain uncertain about repairing aluminium because of differences between aluminium and steel structures. In his words, “This course has been developed with input from experienced trainers and industry professionals to support technicians and bodyshop staff who want to build both their practical skills and core knowledge of aluminium repair.”

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He further added, “Delegates will gain a clearer understanding of aluminium as a material, how it behaves, and how it appears in different forms on the modern vehicle, including the latest trend of megacastings.”

Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research, said megacasting represents a major shift in vehicle design and engineering and noted that repairability planning would become increasingly important as the technology expands across the automotive industry.

Middle East crisis jolts aluminium downstream trade; end-use sectors grapple with supply crunch

Sat, 23 May 2026 04:30:00 +0530

The global aluminium downstream sector is witnessing a sharp realignment as Middle East supply disruptions, uneven corporate earnings, expansion investments and changing trade flows reshape market dynamics. While producers navigate rising aluminium prices, shipment costs and operational setbacks, demand from packaging, aerospace, EVs and recycling continues to influence long-term growth strategies across key regions.

Financial performance and corporate moves

Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited reported a strong Q4 FY26 performance, with profit after tax rising 42 per cent year-on-year to INR 3.12 billion, backed by higher sales volumes, stronger realisations and improved operational efficiency across its aluminium foil, steel and speciality alloy businesses. Quarterly revenue climbed 27 per cent to INR 52.4 billion, while EBITDA increased 33 per cent. Riding on the momentum, the company has also unveiled a major INR 27 billion expansion plan including aluminium projects, pointing to a robust long-term growth strategy despite a volatile global metals market.

Explore the accurate insights and forecasts for the aluminium flat rolled products (FRP) market in Aluminium Flat Rolled Products: Insights & Forecast to 2032

Maan Aluminium reported a weaker Q3 FY26 performance, with net sales slipping to around INR 1.52 billion and profit after tax falling nearly 27 per cent below the previous four-quarter average. Despite pressured margins, subdued export demand and slower inventory movement, the company maintains a relatively firm balance sheet. Continued optimism prevails with long-term investor confidence remaining intact, as the stock has delivered robust multiyear returns, including gains of over 180 per cent in three years and more than 580 per cent over five years.

Weekly aluminium downstream and end user recap by AL Circle Pvt Ltd

Novelis reported a weaker FY26 performance after two fires at its Oswego, New York facility disrupted production, reducing shipments by an estimated 145 kilotonnes and impacting Adjusted EBITDA by around USD 104 million. Its FY26 net loss was USD 15 million, down from USD 683 million Y-o-Y, while FRP shipments dipped 5 per cent to 3.56 million tonnes. Nonetheless, Novelis remained optimistic about long-term low-carbon aluminium demand and expects the Oswego hot mill restart soon, while continuing commissioning work at its new Bay Minette recycling and rolling facility in Alabama.

Soon after, Novelis announced its Oswego plant in New York is expected to resume production within the next few weeks. The company had earlier expected the restart to take place by the end of June, but commissioning activities are now progressing faster than previously estimated. The Oswego facility experienced two separate fires in September and November 2025. The incidents were contained to the hot mill area, and no injuries were reported; all employees were evacuated safely during both events.

Asian private equity firm MBK Partners is set to acquire Altemira Holdings Corporate, the Japanese aluminium can producer, in a deal valued at around YEN 117.5 billion (USD 760 million), according to industry sources. The acquisition involves MBK Partners acquiring 100 per cent of Altemira from US-based investment firm Apollo Global Management. Altemira is the second-largest aluminium can manufacturer by market share in both Japan and Vietnam, with annual revenue estimated at approximately YEN 200 billion (USD 1.29 billion).

Middle East conflict tightens the supply chain

The Middle East conflict has removed an estimated 2.3–3 million tonnes of GCC aluminium capacity from the market after shutdowns at EGA, Alba and Qatalum, while disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz continue to strain raw material flows and exports. With the Gulf accounting for roughly 9 per cent of global aluminium supply and a major share of imports into the US, EU and Asia, downstream sectors are facing rising costs, shipment delays and tightening metal availability.

Surging aluminium prices driven by the Middle East conflict, fuelled by a tax gap across the Strait of Hormuz, have prompted Chinese producers and traders to ramp up supply of aluminium in processed or semi-fabricated form rather than as ingots. China exported 15,565 tonnes of aluminium stranded wire, cables and related products in April. The volume marked a jump of more than 166 per cent year-on-year and nearly 95 per cent higher than March levels.

The aluminium packaging sector, which consumed around 16.70 million tonnes in 2025 and is projected to approach 17.16 million tonnes in 2026, is now confronting the risk of losing 3-3.5 million tonnes of aluminium supply this year. Packaging industries across Asia, Europe, the United States and Brazil are coming under mounting pressure as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt raw material supply chains. Consequently, packaging companies are increasingly diversifying procurement strategies, expanding recycled aluminium use and reducing dependence on single sourcing regions. Find out more.

In a move to offset aluminium and freight costs due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, California-based beverage company Monster Beverage may raise its product prices incrementally through 2026. Executives noted that aluminium prices and freight expenses increased during Q1, partly owing to tariffs and the Middle East geopolitical tension-induced supply disruptions. However, the company believes this move would not affect the consumption pattern of energy drinks, following their previous experience when the market remained resilient even after they increased prices.

Coca-Cola’s Diet Coke is gradually returning to stores in India after weeks of supply shortages triggered by disruptions in aluminium can availability, though consumers are now facing significantly higher prices and a switch in packaging. Tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf regions, caused shortages in the supply chain, particularly in the shipping routes connected to the Strait of Hormuz. Retailers say pricing and supply conditions may remain volatile until aluminium availability and shipping routes linked to the Gulf region stabilise more fully.

Demand trends, trade shifts and market outlook

The North American aluminium market has witnessed sharp shifts in trade dynamics, the trend shifting with policy changes and geopolitical developments. In 2025, North America’s aluminium market showed signs of recovery, with demand ending the year on a stable note despite economic and trade-related headwinds. According to the latest Aluminium Situation report by the Aluminium Association, the region recorded a modest 0.8 per cent increase in aluminium demand, backed by stronger manufacturing activity in the second half of the year after a weak start. Learn more.

Japan’s primary aluminium imports increased by 6.6 per cent year-on-year and 16 per cent month-on-month to 89,497 tonnes in March 2026, supported by improving automotive demand and higher domestic production of aluminium products. Data from Japan’s Finance Ministry showed stronger activity in flat-rolled and extruded aluminium products during the month, while vehicle production also continued to recover. However, demand from the construction sector remained weak due to lower housing activity.

Constellium SE and Ryerson Holding Corporation are drawing investor attention as aluminium prices remain elevated amid global economic uncertainty and trade tensions. Strong demand for lightweight electric vehicles, recycled aluminium, rechargeable batteries and aerospace applications continues to support aluminium consumption globally. Healthy air travel activity and rising aircraft production are also boosting demand for aluminium alloys used in fuselages and wings.

Projects, Technology and Regulatory Developments

Texarkana Aluminum has rolled its first coil after commissioning a major hot mill expansion project at its Texas facility, featuring a new four-stand hot tandem mill supplied by Mino. The project began in 2023 after Mino received a contract to design, supply, and commission the mill. The new equipment was installed as an extension to the existing single-stand reversing hot mill, converting the plant into a “1+4 Hot Rolling Line”. In this setup, the older mill acts as the roughing stand, while the four new stands are used for hot finishing.

ROLEC has launched the profiCASE, a new line of diecast aluminium enclosures aimed at protecting in-cab control systems used in sectors such as agriculture, construction and heavy engineering, where electronic control systems need extra durability and environmental protection. The new profiCASE range is designed for human-machine interface systems, commonly known as HMIs, which are increasingly used for touchscreen controls and electronic operations inside off-highway vehicles.

Australia has concluded its latest anti-dumping review on Malaysian mill-finish aluminium extrusions, retaining duties on certain producers while removing trade measures on another manufacturer. Under the decision, which will take effect from June 3, 2026, LB Aluminium will continue to face a floor price arrangement, while Milleon Extruder remains subject to an anti-dumping duty rate of 3.4 per cent. However, Australia decided to discontinue duty collection against Kamco Aluminium. Capral Limited filed an application for the recent review in June 2025. Read more here.

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From primary to processed: Has Gulf tax gap sent China’s aluminium wire export soaring?

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:55:00 +0530

Surging aluminium prices driven by the Middle East conflict, fuelled by a tax gap across the Strait of Hormuz, have prompted Chinese producers and traders to ramp up supply of aluminium in processed or semi-fabricated form rather than as ingots. Consequently, China’s aluminium stranded wire exports witnessed a sharp spike in April.

According to customs data released on Wednesday, China exported 15,565 tonnes of aluminium stranded wire, cables and related products excluding steel-core material in April. The volume marked a jump of more than 166 per cent year-on-year and nearly 95 per cent higher than March levels.

Explore the accurate insights and forecasts for the aluminium flat rolled products (FRP) market in Aluminium Flat Rolled Products: Insights & Forecast to 2032

Against the backdrop of conflict-driven supply shock pushing LME aluminium prices higher than 13 per cent, compounded by the Iranian attacks on Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) facilities, analysts anticipated stronger exports of Chinese fabricated and semi-fabricated aluminium products, particularly as the pricing gap between domestic and overseas markets widened.

Aluminium stranded wire, used in power transmission and distribution infrastructure, is increasingly being repurposed by Chinese suppliers as an export vehicle for aluminium metal itself, according to two anonymous sources familiar with the trade flows. Aluminium stranded wire qualifies for a 13 per cent value-added tax rebate, while exports of unwrought aluminium are subject to a 30 per cent export tariff.

Some traders purchase aluminium ingots domestically and send them to wire manufacturers for conversion into stranded wire before export. Overseas buyers then remelt the material to manufacture aluminium alloy products, bars and other downstream products.

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South Korea emerged as the largest buyer of Chinese aluminium stranded wire in April, importing 2,911 tonnes compared to negligible volumes in March. Vietnam followed with imports reaching 2,288 tonnes, nearly five times higher month-on-month and almost 30 times above the level recorded in 2025.

Shipments to newer destinations also expanded rapidly. Exports to Algeria jumped to 1,340 tonnes from just 36.7 tonnes in March, while deliveries to Ethiopia rose to 1,124 tonnes from 254 tonnes. Combined, South Korea, Vietnam, Algeria and Ethiopia accounted for almost half of China’s total April exports.

Japan also appeared among the emerging buyers, importing 457 tonnes in April after purchasing only around 4 tonnes over the previous 15 months.

The latest trade pattern highlights how geopolitical disruptions and volatile aluminium prices are reshaping global trade routes, while also encouraging unconventional export strategies to capitalise on widening regional price differentials.

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EPIQ and Dynamic Concept partner to deliver advanced solutions across the gulf

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:40:00 +0530

EPIQ Machinery, a leader in integrated material handling solutions for the aluminium and pulp & paper industries, is proud to announce its commercial agreement with Dynamic Concept (DC), a leader in automated and robotic industrial process technologies in molten metal applications and solutions for aluminium processing, casting and transforming.

This agreement targets specifically the Middle East region and will give Gulf Aluminium producers access to innovative integrated casting and handling solutions with local support. It will give DC greater presence in the Middle East using EPIQ's local sales and service force in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On the other hand, adding DC’s innovative process equipment to EPIQ’s portfolio reinforces the company’s position of being an integrated heavy industrial solution provider. This agreement will bring many benefits to the Aluminium producers located in the Gulf region.

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Reliable long-term business relationship

EPIQ Machinery and DC have been working together for many years on several projects. One of their most recent collaborative efforts is the Automated Robot Furnace Tending (ARFT), combining DC’s expertise with EPIQ’s AGV automation.

This project highlighted the complementarity of their solutions. DC is well-known for its innovative molten metal and casting process equipment that brings high return on investment (ROI). Combined with EPIQ's peripheral handling equipment and its capacity to integrate automation and digitalisation into the process, EPIQ and DC increase their added value to the Middle East Aluminium producers.

Strengthening local presence in the Gulf

In 2024, EPIQ Machinery reinforced its commitment to the Middle East by opening a regional office in Bahrain: EPIQ Machinery Services W.L.L. This strategic presence enables EPIQ to proactively support customers across the Gulf, manage capital projects locally, and service the growing installed base of equipment in the region.

Within its partnership with DC, EPIQ’s local account managers lead customer relationships and present a comprehensive portfolio that includes both EPIQ’s equipment and Dynamic Concept’s advanced aluminium process technologies, supported by DC’s technical experts.

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Together, the companies deliver integrated solutions that combine DC’s process expertise with EPIQ’s material handling, automation, and digital capabilities, providing Gulf producers with reliable local support and high-value technologies. Already in force, this partnership agreement strengthens both companies’ competitiveness while creating greater value for customers in a rapidly growing market.

“Our solutions and technologies for molten metal processes bring valuable return on investment (ROI). Now, combining our force with EPIQ Machinery heavy industrial material handling, everyone wins. Customers will get extra added-value integrated solutions and great local support,” said Patrice Côté, President, Dynamic Concept.

“At EPIQ Machinery, we believe in building strong cooperations with partners such as DC. Combining our know-hows will accelerate innovation and will lead us in meeting daring objectives. With a strong focus on our Gulf customers’ needs, we will bring a strong value proposition,” said Yannick Beaulé, Chief Revenue Officer, EPIQ Machinery.

Note: This article has been issued by EPIQ Machinery and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Novelis aluminium hot mill plant in Oswego set to restart weeks ahead of schedule

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:30:00 +0530

Novelis said the hot mill aluminium plant at its Oswego plant in New York is expected to resume production within the next few weeks following recovery work after two major fires in 2025.

The company had earlier expected the restart to take place by the end of June, but said commissioning activities are now progressing faster than previously estimated.

The Oswego facility experienced two separate fires in September and November 2025. The incidents were contained to the hot mill area, and no injuries were reported; all employees were evacuated safely during both events.

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According to Novelis, other critical assets at the Oswego plant remained operational and were not affected by the fires.

The company said, “We expect the hot mill to be back in service in the next few weeks, positioning us to support pent-up demand and normalise shipments over time.”

The estimated financial impact from the two fires was around USD 1.7 billion. Production interruptions at the plant reduced rolled product shipments by an estimated 73 kilotonnes, resulting in a negative impact of about USD 53 million on adjusted EBITDA.

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The company also reported a net loss of USD 84 million, compared to a net income of USD 294 million in the previous year, partly due to the fire-related disruptions.

Despite the losses, net sales increased 4 per cent year-on-year to USD 4.8 billion, supported mainly by higher aluminium prices.

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Steve Fisher said the company remains focused on customer deliveries, restarting the Oswego hot mill and commissioning its aluminium plant in Bay Minette. He added, “We begin the new fiscal year energised by the strength of the underlying business and confident in our ability to capture strong market demand for high-recycled-content, low carbon aluminium.”

Herefordshire expands household recycling rules to include aluminium foil and tubes

Wed, 20 May 2026 14:07:00 +0530

Herefordshire Council has expanded its household recycling rules to include aluminium foil, foil trays, foil-lined tubes and plastic tubes such as toothpaste and cosmetic packaging.

The council said the update is intended to make recycling easier for residents by allowing more commonly used household items to be collected through existing recycling services.

According to the council, items that may previously have been discarded as general waste can now be placed in household recycling bins if prepared correctly.

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Elissa Swinglehurst said the changes are aimed at helping residents recycle more everyday materials while reducing confusion around accepted items.

The council advised households to rinse items before disposal, ensure they are dry and remove remaining product from tubes where possible. Residents have also been asked to leave lids and caps attached to tubes during recycling.

To improve sorting and processing efficiency, the council recommended scrunching aluminium foil into balls before placing it in recycling bins.

Recyclables should also be placed loosely in bins rather than inside plastic bags, according to the updated guidance.

The move follows similar recycling policy adjustments introduced in other parts of England, including Worcester, where local authorities also expanded accepted packaging materials to simplify recycling practices for households.

The council said the broader list of accepted materials is intended to encourage greater participation in recycling and reduce the amount of recoverable material sent to general waste streams.

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Eural Gnutti’s 2033 aluminium is a highly technical solution, developed specifically to ensure consistency and uniformity

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:55:00 +0530

Founded in 1968 in Rovato, Eural Gnutti has built its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of drawn aluminium bars and one of Europe’s largest producers of extruded bars and profiles. Its aluminium bars serve demanding sectors such as mechanical engineering, automotive, aerospace, medical, electrical, electronics and defence, while its heat-treated profiles support applications across automotive, pneumatic, actuator, hydraulic and heat sink manufacturing.

As industries accelerate their shift away from lead-based metals, Eural Gnutti’s 2033 lead-free aluminium alloy emerges as more than a material innovation; it represents a strategic response to the future of precision machining. In this interview, Eural Gnutti explains how 2033 was developed to match the productivity of traditional free-cutting aluminium and brass, while improving weldability, anodising performance, tool life and regulatory readiness.

AL Circle: Eural Gnutti’s 2033 alloy has garnered significant attention for its performance. Could you share the story behind its development and what makes it a standout in the lead-free aluminium space?

Eural Gnutti : Eural Gnutti S.p.A began developing lead-free alloys with high machinability well before the official adoption of certain EU regulations restricting the use of lead in metals intended for machining. Following the success of the 6026LF lead-free alloy, Eural registered the 2033 LEAD FREE alloy in 2018. The best-known and most widely used 2xxx series (Al-Cu) alloys for machining bars are 2011, with a lead content of between 0.2 and 0.4 per cent and therefore compliant with RoHS regulations for electrical and electronic applications, and the twin alloys 2007 and 2030, with an even higher lead content.

Thanks to a lower melting point compared to other alloying elements, it allows the chip to break into small fragments during turning operations. With these references in mind, Eural Gnutti S.p.A has developed 2033 to meet the requirements that made the 2011/2007/2030 alloys famous and, at the same time, to improve upon the weaknesses of these alloys that have shaped the history of mechanical engineering, particularly in Europe. Thus, equivalent mechanical properties, equivalent machinability and improvements in weldability and suitability for anodising.

AL Circle: Lead-free alloys are becoming a significant topic in industries such as luxury goods and automotive. How do you see the demand for lead-free aluminium growing across different sectors in the next 5–10 years?

Eural Gnutti: The lead-free, highly machinable alloys 2033/6026LF/2077 developed by Eural Gnutti S.p.A ensure high productivity. Against a backdrop of lead reduction in aluminium and other metals such as brass and steel, they guarantee continuity for all those who use them.

AL Circle: Eural Gnutti and Tornos France have forged a strong partnership. How did this collaboration come to fruition, and what were the main objectives for both companies in this venture?

Eural Gnutti: The collaboration came about almost spontaneously. In the run-up to the Simodec trade fair, Tornos was looking for an innovative, high-performance aluminium, and the news reached us through our distribution channels. We are always open to this sort of initiative.

AL Circle: The 2033 alloy is designed for better chip fragmentation and machinability. How does it perform compared to traditional alloys like brass or standard aluminium in terms of processing efficiency and tooling life?

Eural Gnutti: The highly machinable 2033 LEAD FREE alloy offers an alternative to other metals, particularly brass. Users of this metal have always been used to excellent machinability thanks to its high lead content. The lead-free alternatives to brass currently available, which comply with upcoming regulatory restrictions, do not yet guarantee excellent productivity. The 2033 alloy therefore becomes a very attractive solution, guaranteeing excellent machinability despite being lead-free, whilst maintaining the same average tool life.

AL Circle: At the Simodec exhibition, Tornos showcased the capabilities of the 2033 alloy in a live demonstration. Could you walk us through the practical test and its outcome, particularly in terms of performance and finish quality?

Eural Gnutti: Tornos’s aim was to create a charming little gadget: a small folding knife made entirely of metal – aluminium for the handle, steel for the blade and the ring, and finally titanium for the locking screw. In detail, the handle was machined through turning, milling, drilling and threading operations, followed by a tumbling finish, which produced a particularly shiny surface. The use of tools common for steel, combined with increased cutting speed, also helped to improve chip management.

AL Circle: How does the 2033 alloy contribute to operational continuity and reduce tool breakage during machining?

Eural Gnutti: Alloy 2033 is a highly technical solution, developed specifically to ensure consistency and uniformity. Its chemical composition, combined with the expert management and precise distribution of low-melting elements within the alloy, ensures excellent machinability and prevents tool breakage, thereby extending the tools’ natural lifetime.

AL Circle: With growing demand for sustainable materials, how does the lead-free aluminium 2033 alloy cater to the environmental and safety concerns of industries like luxury goods and watchmaking?

Eural Gnutti: The luxury and watchmaking sectors – and, indeed, an ever-growing number of other sectors – are paying increasing attention to issues such as the environment and safety. During the development of this alloy, Eural Gnutti S.p.A ensured that it could be produced using a significant proportion of recycled aluminium. During 2023 and 2024, specifically for the 2033 alloy, Eural managed to achieve peaks of over 90 per cent recycled aluminium, thereby preventing the release of substantial amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere that would otherwise have occurred if primary aluminium had been used. Lead is also coming under increasing pressure from various sides and has been recognised as toxic by several studies. We are pleased that, thanks to the decision to invest in lead-free solutions, Eural has been able to demonstrate that another alloy in the Lead Free family, the 6026LF, is now a candidate for approval for food contact.

AL Circle: How does the 2033 alloy align with global regulatory changes related to skin contact and the use of lead in materials? How do you foresee the 2033 alloy contributing to the future of precision machining and the use of lead-free materials in industrial applications?

Eural Gnutti: Alloy 2033, developed from the outset as a lead-free alloy, naturally meets the typical requirements of these sectors. But, to be honest, we expect much more from many other sectors. Alloy 2033 LEAD FREE has been specifically designed as an alternative to standard, highly machinable alloys commonly used today in electronic and electrical applications, including the automotive sector. In 2027, two key directives will come into force: RoHS in June and ELV in December. Neither will permit the use of lead in metals intended for machining. Those using alloys such as 2011 (Pb 0.2–0.4 per cent), which is in high demand in Western countries and some Asian countries due to its long tradition and excellent machinability, will have no better alternative than 2033 to maintain the same productivity or even improve it. Finally, in the long term, when and if the reach regulation also changes – as seems inevitable – and reduces the maximum lead content to almost zero, 2033 will reign supreme among the 2xxx series of free-cutting aluminium alloys, offering customers a solution characterised by excellent machinability, high mechanical properties and, at the same time, compliance with future restrictions.

A resilient aluminium demand in North America: Scrap and FRP drive momentum after sluggish H1’25

Wed, 20 May 2026 10:32:00 +0530

Charles Johnson, President and CEO of the Aluminum Association, noted, “North American aluminium demand showed resilience in 2025, finishing the year essentially flat despite ongoing economic and trade uncertainty.”

Explore the accurate insights and forecasts for the aluminium flat rolled products (FRP) market in Aluminium Flat Rolled Products: Insights & Forecast to 2032

Demand and trade snapshot 2025: From the globe to North America

As the demand for aluminium extruded products declined 3.1 per cent in 2025, it reflected respectively on the trade between North America and the world. Combining the 2025 import volumes of extruded products including plates, sheets and strips by the US and Canada, i.e., 1,185,629.14 tonnes and 532,206.72 tonnes, respectively, the cumulative of 17,17,835.86 tonnes depicts a Y-o-Y decline of 7.94 per cent from the total of 18,66,096.32 tonnes sourced in 2024.

Contrary to the extrusions sector, the demand for aluminium foil and wire saw a rise in both nations. The total import volume of wire by the US (305,315.45 tonnes) and Canada (5,581.11 tonnes) settled at 310,896.56 tonnes, marking a 4.1 per cent Y-o-Y surge from the cumulative 2,98,673.52 tonnes sourced in 2024.

Foil imports soared significantly, as the US and Canada imports in 2025 of 300,338.01 tonnes and 68,407.37 tonnes respectively totalled 368,745.38 tonnes, which recorded a Y-o-Y hike of 7.2 per cent over the 2024 import volume of 343,974.64 tonnes.

The US-Canada intra-trade loses momentum, mirrors global scenario

As of the first half (H1) of 2025, market demand had declined by 0.2 per cent, indicating the immediate impact of the US tariffs that affected the dynamics. This was followed by the recovery in H2 and an overall 0.8 per cent gain. Johnson stated, “Modest growth in the second half of the year reflects continued strength in key manufacturing markets and reinforces aluminium’s critical role in the North American economy.”

Looking closely into the intra-North America trade between the US and Canada, the nations have mostly recorded a Y-o-Y decline in 2025 in both imports as well as exports.

Trade trends of both imports and exports of the unwrought and downstream categories between the US and Canada in 2025 are -

In the case of unwrought aluminium, US imports from Canada amounted to 1.95 million tonnes, down 28.8 per cent from 2.74 million in 2024. Meanwhile, exports from the US to Canada in 2025 was around 47,780.37 tonnes, down 72.3 per cent Y-o-Y from 82328.26 tonnes in 2024.

In terms of downstream aluminium products, including bars, rods and profiles, pipes and tubes, plates, sheets and strips, tubes or pipe fittings, and wire, US sourced about 360,291.27 tonnes from Canada in 2025, slipping Y-o-Y from the import volume of 405,543.34 tonnes, reflecting a 11.16 per cent decline. Only the foil imports surged, edging up from 2,937.72 tonnes in 2024 to 4,818.98 tonnes in 2025, reflecting a staggering 64.04 per cent rise.

Studying the exchange vice versa, US export volume to Canada, barring foil in 2025 totalled about 232,006.84 tonnes, recording another Y-o-Y decline of 29.61 per cent from 329,592.85 tonnes in 2024. Foil imports here too, saw a drastic spike, rising 98.93 per cent Y-o-Y from 7,442,23 tonnes in 2024 to 7982.91 tonnes in 2025.

Additionally, combining the 2025 export volumes of aluminium mill products from the US (about 676,051.08 tonnes) and Canada (about 396,275.94 tonnes) to the world, the estimated total standing at 1.07 million tonnes, reflects a 13.2 per cent decline from the 2024 export volume of 1.2 million to 1.3 million tonnes in 2024.

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Automotive, packaging and solar sectors reshape demand outlook

The demand and trade trends are mirrored in the automobile and renewable energy segments of the US market.

US automobile production faced mounting pressure in 2025 amid rising vehicle prices, higher raw material costs and tariff-related expenses, including aluminium costs. Slowing EV demand further weighed on production outlooks, prompting analysts to warn of a broader industry reset. With average vehicle prices in the US nearing USD 50,000, affordability remains a major concern.

Arthur Wheaton, Director of Labor Studies at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, stated, “I think there may be a small shift to steel away from aluminium, because electric vehicles are slowing down and there is less pressure to reduce weight for fuel economy.”

In terms of renewable energy, the solar market saw a 14 per cent Y-o-Y decline in new installations. The US added 43.2 GW of fresh solar capacity, taking the cumulative installed base to 267 GW. Solar energy now meets around 8 per cent of US electricity demand.

In contrast, concurrent to the demand and trade surges in the aluminium foil segment, in the US packaging industry, single-serve cans contributed 8 per cent to craft beer sales volumes, with 19.2-ounce “stovepipe” cans seeing stronger consumer uptake. These larger cans accounted for 60 per cent of single-can beer sales in 2025, compared to 55 per cent a year earlier.

Meanwhile, demand also strengthened for 24-pack formats. Though they represented only 2 per cent of total craft beer volumes tracked by the Brewers Association in 2025, they emerged as the only major pack size category to register year-on-year growth. Average case prices during the period fell 4.6 per cent, while sales volumes climbed 6.4 per cent.

Scrap gains ground amid tariff disruptions

Alongside the slowdown in primary and downstream aluminium trade, the US has also witnessed a notable contraction in secondary aluminium trade, indicating a significant shift across the value chain.

In the case of imports, starting with an upward trend through May with 191,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap, a notable dip was observed in June, as it fell to 173,000 tonnes, which may be attributed to the immediate impact of the 50 per cent tariff imposition on imported primary aluminium, which channelled a drop in exports and prompted a greater use of recycled aluminium in the domestic industries.

Pace was up again in August with the shipment volume rising to 180,000 tonnes, followed by a steady rise till November, the volume for the month amounting to 193,000 tonnes.

According to the trade data gathered from the US Geological Survey (USGS) database, while the cumulative amount shipped till November 2024 stood at 1.92 million tonnes, it settled at 1.88 million tonnes for the same period in 2025, reflecting a slight difference of 2.08 per cent.

Moreover, in 2025, the cumulative export volume of aluminium scrap amounted to 2.23 million tonnes. The total export volume of 2024, standing at 2.86 million tonnes (approx.), is also depicting a stark decline of 22 per cent.

In 2025, the US recovered 3.65 million tonnes of aluminium scrap, rising 3.5 per cent from the 2024 recovery volume of 35,28,675.16 tonnes.

Together, these trends point to higher domestic scrap retention and recovery, resulting in an 18.6 per cent increase in the scrap inventory in 2025, propelled by tariff policy that is indirectly prompting scrap application to prevent leakage and boost the domestic aluminium industry.

The historical data draws the outlook map

In the past 5 years, North American demand for aluminium experienced a fluctuating trend, settling with a modest 0.8 per cent rise in 2025. Owing to the market disruptions caused by COVID-19, 2020 saw the sharpest drop in demand, down 11.23 per cent from 12.47 million tonnes in 2019 to 11.07 million tonnes. The market rebounded in 2022, gaining 6.59 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to 11.8 million tonnes.

It further increased to 12.34 million tonnes in 2022, meeting the pre-pandemic level in 2017, and marking a Y-o-Y rise of 4.58 per cent. However, demand softened again in 2023, slipping by 4.78 per cent to 11.75 million tonnes. Though recovering steadily by 2.13 per cent Y-o-Y to 12 million tonnes in 2024, only about 0.8 per cent growth was recorded as the figure rose to an estimated 12.11 million tonnes in 2025.

The data points to a market gradually stabilising after years of disruption and volatility.

These metrics indicate a reduced demand in the extrusion segment, which may recover as industries adjust to evolving trade policies and a changing aluminium market landscape heading into 2026. “As demand potentially stabilises, policy certainty and support for US production will remain important to long-term growth and competitiveness,” Johnson observed.

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