AL Circle's weekly wrap
From foundries to frontiers: AL Circle landmarks its 22nd e-Magazine launch, “Aluminium Casting Industry: Focus 2024”
Welcome to AL Circle’s 22nd edition of e-Magazine, “Aluminium Castings Industry: Focus 2024”, a publication dedicated to exploring the latest trends, innovations, and insights within the dynamic realm of aluminium casting sector.
As the global economy continues to evolve, the demand for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective materials has never been higher. In this landscape, aluminium is a versatile metal that plays a pivotal role in various industries, from automotive and aerospace to construction and electronics. Within the aluminium sector, casting processes represent a cornerstone, enabling the creation of intricate components with exceptional precision and efficiency.
In this edition of "Aluminium Casting?Industry: Focus 2024," we embark on a journey to uncover the state of the aluminium casting industry in the present year and shed light on the key developments shaping its trajectory. We aim to give our readers valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and innovations driving the sector forward through in-depth analyses, expert opinions, and case studies.
Innovation is the driving force behind the continual evolution of the aluminium castings industry. From developing new alloys to implementing advanced casting techniques, we showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of aluminium casting production and design. Whether you are a seasoned industry veteran or a newcomer exploring the possibilities of aluminium casting, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey of discovery and exploration.
At the heart of the aluminium castings industry lies a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This edition highlights groundbreaking initiatives and best practices to reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and promote circular economy principles within the aluminium casting supply chain.
Click here to read or download your copy.
North America’s aluminium industry analysis: Demand starts turning to a positive trend after a gloomy 2023
The market dynamics of the aluminium industry in North America are gradually displaying a positive change, with a demand recovery in Q4 2023, as indicated by the preliminary estimates of the Aluminum Association. Even the beginning of 2024 has set a progressive tone, as the association’s index of net new orders of aluminium bill products hit 114.5 (baseline index of 100), the highest level since June 2022.
Market Analysis
Until the third quarter of 2023, aluminium demand in North America was sluggish, contracting by 4.4 per cent year-on-year to about 20,908 million pounds. That led to a downfall in the full-year demand by about 3.9 per cent, totalling 26,271 million pounds, compared to 27,337 million tonnes a year ago. The recovery in Q4 slightly offset the annual fall.
Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association, commented:
“While North American demand declined slightly in 2023 following strong results in 2022, this latest data shows early signs of recovery.”
He added, “With historic U.S. aluminum manufacturing investment, steady domestic shipments and continued growth opportunities in many of our key markets, the trendlines for U.S. aluminum remain strong.”
Aluminum Association’s report also showed that North America’s domestic aluminium industry enjoyed a 2.4 per cent compound annual growth rate since 2009. In 2023, aluminium electrical wire and cable demand saw a 12.1 per cent Y-o-Y demand growth, driven by a strong electrical infrastructure market. Read the full news HERE.
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Primary aluminium production in Europe (incl. Russia) grows for the second month in Jan'24, connoting an ease of energy crisis
Primary aluminium production across Europe (including Russia) totalled 579,000 tonnes during January 2024, reflecting a rise of 3,000 tonnes from 576,000 tonnes in December 2023 and a hike of 5,000 tonnes from 574,000 tonnes in January 2023.
The production improved for the second straight month as the energy crisis started easing, implied by the fact that European Commission softened the stringent policy of 15 per cent gas consumption curb. EU diplomats even said in recent statements that some countries view the policy as no longer necessary since the peak of Europe's energy crisis has passed.
Production in Russia and Eastern Europe
The primary aluminium production rise in Russia & Eastern Europe for the second consecutive month during January 2024 further underscores the fact that the energy crisis has eased in Europe. Although at a lower rate than in December 2023, the output in January 2024 grew to 348,000 tonnes, marking an increase of 3,000 tonnes or 0.87 per cent month-on-month. In December 2023, primary aluminium production stood at 345,000 tonnes, up by 13,000 tonnes or 3.92 per cent from 332,000 tonnes in November.??
The back-to-back growth in Russia and Eastern Europe's monthly primary aluminium production could also be attributed to the recovery of capacity utilisation at UC Rusal's Taishet smelter to about 37 per cent by December 2023.
On a year-on-year basis, primary aluminium output in Russia and Eastern Europe during January 2024 edged a rise of 4,000 tonnes or 1.16 per cent from 344,000 tonnes.
The daily average production in the said month was 11,200 tonnes, slightly up by 100 tonnes month-on-month as well as year-on-year.
Production in Western & Central Europe
In Western & Central Europe, primary aluminium production during January 2024 was 231,000 tonnes, unchanged from the previous month and 1,000 tonnes higher than in January 2023.
The production of primary aluminium stood restrained in the beginning of 2024, following a hike in December 2023 by 3.13 per cent from 224,000 tonnes.
The daily average primary aluminium output in Western & Central Europe during January 2024 was 7,500 tonnes, restrained month-on-month and 100 tonnes more than in January 2023.
Other major news of the week:
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