The National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has launched a new IA91 grade aluminium alloy ingot on 24th February. IA91 grade aluminium alloy ingot is a high-profile, silicon-based aluminium casting alloy. It is manufactured in ingot form (metal that has been cast into a solid, standardised bar shape) for use in metal casting processes. The main usage of the alloy ingot is in automotive components, electrical power equipment, industrial machinery and foundry applications.

[Cast Aluminium Alloy to Debut in China's Futures Market] On May 26, 2025, the China Securities Regulatory Commission approved the Shanghai Futures Exchange to launch futures and options for cast aluminium alloy, marking the first recycled metal to be introduced in China’s futures market. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of this alloy, China had a 2024 production capacity of 13 million tonnes, with actual output at 6.2 million tonnes and consumption at 6.73 million tonnes. Cast aluminium alloy, produced mainly from recycled aluminium and other metals, is widely used in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and machinery. It offers strong environmental advantages—its carbon footprint is only 3.6% that of coal-fired electrolytic aluminium. The launch of futures and options aims to support China’s green transition, improve recycled aluminium market standards, and provide price risk management tools to industry participants.

The return of U.S. aluminum tariffs under Trump’s administration has reignited global trade tensions, affecting supply chains and market trends. While tariffs aim to support domestic production, the U.S. still relies heavily on imports, driving up aluminum prices and raising costs for industries like automotive, construction, and packaging. Despite government backing, primary aluminum production remains limited, with recycling and secondary output expected to become more important. Global trade patterns may change as key suppliers like Canada look for new markets, while uncertainty over U.S. trade policies keeps market sentiment cautious.

This week the upstream sector of the global aluminium industry witnessed many significant events. News of new highs, marginal misses, financial results, etc, have kept the industry on its toes.

Since July, the domestic supply of aluminium scrap has remained tight. Coupled with multiple policy adjustments in the recycled metal industry, this has led to a decline in industry activity. Some secondary aluminium processing enterprises are facing difficulties in procuring aluminium scrap raw materials and poor industry profitability.

The local court has ordered two units of China Evergrande New Energy Auto to enter bankruptcy and reorganisation proceedings.

The recent flooding in Switzerland has sent shockwaves across the global automotive industry, with Jaguar Land Rover at the epicentre of the disruptions.

Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has reportedly put forward the proposal of imposing an anti-dumping duty of up to INR 577 per tonne on aluminium frames originating from China.

Amid an unprecedented supply shortage of aluminium alloy, Porsche AG has reduced its sales and profit outlook, which has led to the German company’s shares falling 4 per cent to the bottom of Frankfurt’s blue-chip index.

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, in partnership with NITI Aayog and leading national institutions, recently hosted a high-level stakeholder meeting to identify sustainable applications for red mud, a key byproduct in the bauxite refining process for making aluminium.