Aluminium billet inventories rose 2,700 mt on week on larger arrivals

Aluminium Dunkerque has launched its high-purity aluminium product CrystAl, expanding into high value-added materials. Initial production has reached 4N purity, with a target up to 4N6, serving markets such as metal powders, electronic materials, semiconductors and capacitors. The product is produced in sows and ingots, with current capacity at around 200 tonnes per year, expected to scale up to 3,000 tonnes by 2028–2029. The company said the project combines metallurgical expertise and low-carbon aluminium to provide stable supply for advanced materials and strengthen its competitiveness in high-purity aluminium.

The 2025 annual report of Yongzhen Technology indicated that PV frames are high-value auxiliary materials for modules, accounting for approximately 14% of PV module costs. Driven by the development goals of "cost reduction" and "efficiency improvement," module producers have continuously explored frame alternatives using other materials. However, aluminum alloy materials have dominated the market thanks to their advantages such as low density, ease of strengthening, high electrical conductivity, suitability for grounding, good plasticity, strong corrosion and oxidation resistance after surface treatment, long life, excellent metallic appearance, and ease of recycling. According to data from the *China PV Industry Roadmap, 2025-2026*, aluminum frames held a 93% market share in 2025.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Century Aluminum has restarted the second potline at its Norðurál smelter in Grundartangi, Iceland, ahead of schedule, with full capacity expected by end-July. The potline accounts for about two-thirds of total capacity, with operations resuming after transformer repairs following an unexpected failure. Permanent replacements are set for installation in autumn. The restart strengthens Century’s primary aluminum output, alongside recent expansion at Mt. Holly, to meet market demand.