Experts

Unequal Loads – Why China Must Include Aluminium In Its ETS

Unequal Loads – Why China Must Include Aluminium In Its ETS

Electricity has long been the largest single cost associated with the production of primary aluminium. Though understood in theory for many years, the process of smelting aluminium was not economically viable prior to the advent and availability of large-scale electrical production. Even...

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Events

Aluminium: Year in Review and What to Expect in 2019

Aluminium: Year in Review and What to Expect in 2019

It’s been a rocky year for metal prices. The second half of the year, especially November and December, were quite a disappointment, and all five LME traded base metals are on track to post yearly drops. The main reason for this negative market sentiment is the lasting uncertainty over U.S.- China trade sanctions and the […]

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Why Are Anode Production Costs Rising?

Why Are Anode Production Costs Rising?

Between 2017 and 2018, smelting costs for the primary aluminium industry have increased significantly. Aside of volatile alumina prices, higher prices of calcined petroleum-pet coke (CPC) and coal tar pitch (CTP), the two main ingredients of carbon anodes that provide the electrolytic chemical reaction during aluminium smelting were the key contributors to this rise. To […]

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Explaining Global Aluminium Flows and Smelter Costs

Explaining Global Aluminium Flows and Smelter Costs

Since October 22, aluminium prices have been trading below US$ 2000/tonne, and are currently barely keeping above US$ 1900/tonne. Without much good news on horizon, uncertainty over U.S.-China trade war persisting, and further strengthening of the US dollar, it would seem that demand for aluminium has completely stalled. But that’s not at all the case […]

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Why Did the Aluminium Price Fall Below US$ 2000?

Why Did the Aluminium Price Fall Below US$ 2000?

It’s not surprising when the seasonal slowdown pushes aluminium prices to fall below US$ 2000/tonne in July. But when prices sink at the end of the “mating season” in late October, analysts are rightly worried. Last October for example, the average price for the month was US$ 2130/tonne and was the highest monthly average for […]

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CRU Group’s main points at Aluminium Düsseldorf and LME Week

CRU Group’s main points at Aluminium Düsseldorf and LME Week

This year, both Aluminium Düsseldorf, and LME Week’s annual gathering in London, were scheduled for the second week of October, with most events taking place within the span of just four days (October 8-11). Below are some of the main conclusions from the presentation given by CRU analysts Greg Wittbecker (CRU Breakfast, LME Week in […]

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