[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alvance British Aluminium has boosted output by ~10% at its Lochaber smelter in Fort William, Scotland (UK’s only primary aluminium plant), thanks to recent US tariff changes. The GFG Alliance-owned facility (48,000 tpy capacity, hydro-powered) now exports about half its production to the US for the first time. Managing Director Tom Uppington: “We increased production in response to shifting trade flows after US tariffs, entering the US market while serving UK and European customers.” President Trump set a 50% global tariff on steel/aluminium imports, but the UK secured a preferential 25% rate (vs. 50% for Canada), making UK metal more competitive. The US still relies on imports for automotive and aerospace sectors.

As voices from aluminium associations across US trade-allied nations grow louder, one consensus is becoming clear that the United States’ decision to increase tariffs on aluminium imports to 50 per cent is unlikely to benefit its global partners.

[Global Aluminium Producer Cuts Premium Offer to Japan Amid Weaker Market Outlook] A major global aluminium producer has proposed a premium of US$145 per metric ton for primary aluminium shipments to Japan for July–September 2025, marking a 20% reduction from the US$182 per ton agreed for the previous quarter, according to sources involved in negotiations. The reduced offer reflects weaker demand sentiment driven by concerns over U.S. tariffs and increased supply into Asia, particularly from the Middle East, as European premiums decline. Japanese buyers, who help set the regional benchmark, view the new offer as too high, noting that current spot premiums are down to US$110–US$120, with buyer expectations closer to US$100–US$110. Aluminium inventories at Japan’s three main ports rose to 320,300 tons at the end of April, up 3.4% month-on-month, indicating a looser supply-demand balance. Pricing talks, involving suppliers such as Rio Tinto and South32, began last week and are expected to continue through June.

Emirate Global Aluminium’s recent announcement of setting up a primary aluminium smelter in Oklahoma, close to the Tulsa Port of Inola, is going to be the first new primary aluminium plant built in the US in 45 years.

[Aluminium Dunkerque inaugurates €13 million recycling furnace] On May 2025, Aluminium Dunkerque officially launched a €13 million melting furnace, known as Furnace 8, dedicated to aluminium recycling. The new unit will process 7,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap annually and deliver 20,000 tonnes of low-carbon metal, cutting CO₂ emissions per tonne of ingots by 10%. This equates to 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ and 96 GWh of electricity saved each year. The installation also created eight new jobs. Furnace 8 incorporates advanced technologies such as oxy-fuel burners and a closed-loop industrial water system, boosting environmental performance. With a capacity of 10 tonnes per hour, the furnace strengthens France’s domestic recycling capacity and supports industrial decarbonisation, especially in the automotive sector. Aluminium Dunkerque, France’s last major primary aluminium smelter, produces 300,000 tonnes of aluminium annually for use in automotive, defense, transport, and packaging industries.

[Ma’aden Reports 48% Increase in Flat Rolled Aluminium Production] Saudi Arabian aluminium producer Ma’aden reported a 48% year-on-year increase in flat rolled products (FRP) output for Q1 2025, reaching 72kt compared to 57kt in Q1 2024. Alumina production rose by 9% to 478kt, and primary aluminium output grew slightly to 249kt from 246kt. The aluminium business unit, encompassing aluminium, alumina, and FRP, generated SAR2.71 billion ($722.5 million) in revenue, down 9% from the previous quarter. The company forecasts full-year primary aluminium production between 850kt and 1150kt, and FRP output between 250kt and 310kt. EBITDA increased 4% quarter on quarter, driven by stronger aluminium and FRP prices. FRP sales volumes rose 26% year on year. Ma’aden noted that proposed US tariffs are expected to have limited direct financial impact but may cause short-term trade disruptions. The company emphasized its globally competitive cost structure and plans to closely monitor developments.

[Ma’aden Reports Surge in Flat Rolled Aluminium Production] On May 8, 2025, Saudi Arabian aluminium producer Ma’aden reported a 48% year-on-year increase in flat rolled products (FRP) output for Q1, reaching 72kt compared to 57kt in Q1 2024. Alumina production rose 9% to 478kt, and primary aluminium output edged up 1% to 249kt. Despite a 9% drop in aluminium business unit revenue to SAR 2.71 billion ($722.5 million) from the previous quarter, EBITDA rose 4% quarter-on-quarter, supported by stronger FRP and aluminium prices. FRP sales volumes grew 26% year-on-year, aided by improved pricing. Ma’aden expects to produce 850–1150kt of primary aluminium and 250–310kt of FRP in 2025. The company noted that proposed US tariffs would have limited direct financial impact but could temporarily disrupt trade flows. It emphasized its competitive cost structure and diversified customer base, and said it would monitor developments closely.

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, US President Donald Trump signaled a possible easing of trade tensions with China, boosting market sentiment. As a result, aluminium price has grown in India by 1.32 per cent to INR 234.5 (USD 2.75).

For the past two decades, China has dominated the global aluminium landscape with unparalleled force.

LME 3M aluminium prices came under pressure after the U.S. tariff announcement on 2 April, driven by concerns over weakening global demand and rising trade uncertainty. High tariffs are expected to disrupt Southeast Asia’s exports of aluminium products to the U.S., dampening primary aluminium consumption. Risk-off sentiment also led to long liquidation, further weighing on prices.