China's Q1 Industrial Profits Rise 15.5% YoY, Led by Electronics Sector Growth

[SMM Aluminum Express News] The Canadian government will invest C$100 million into the ELYSIS low-carbon aluminum technology project, supporting Rio Tinto’s C$440 million demonstration plant in Quebec. The project aims to advance industrial-scale deployment and commercialization of emissions-free aluminum smelting technology, strengthening Canada’s low-carbon aluminum supply chain and supporting industries including aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, and infrastructure. The investment is also expected to help maintain around 5,000 jobs across Canada.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Rio Tinto said its aluminum exports to the United States have rebounded to near pre-tariff levels, with North American shipments returning to around 80% of sales after previously falling to the mid-60% range following US import tariffs on Canadian aluminum. The recovery has been supported by elevated US aluminum premiums and tight North American supply, helping offset tariff-related costs and restore trade flows from Rio Tinto’s Quebec smelters into the US market.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Rio Tinto has begun commissioning its US$1.5 billion AP60 low-carbon aluminium smelter expansion at Complexe Arvida in Quebec. The project will add 160,000 tpy of primary aluminium capacity through 96 new AP60 pots, lifting AP60 production to 220,000 tpy by the end of 2026. The expansion, together with a planned recycling centre, is expected to offset production losses from the closure of older Arvida potlines while strengthening North America’s low-carbon aluminium supply.