China's Secondary Aluminum Alloy Ingot Inventory Down 356 MT, Foshan Leads Destocking

Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) is expected to acquire Aluminum Dunkerque, Europe’s largest primary aluminum smelter, in a USD2.2 billion deal, subject to EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) clearance and other approvals. Aluminum Dunkerque produces around 300,000 tones of aluminium annually, and the acquisition is expected to strengthen Alba’s global low-carbon aluminum strategy. At the same time, French state investment bank Bpifrance will invest EUR100 million for a 6% stake and join the company’s board. Markets believe the deal could further strengthen Europe’s low-carbon primary aluminium supply chain amid growing regional demand for sustainable aluminium.

Around 200 companies attended an EU investment roadshow in Johannesburg on June 1 as the bloc advanced plans to invest EUR12 billion (USD13.98 billion) in South Africa’s critical minerals sector. The partnership focuses on mining, processing and industrial development to reduce dependence on single suppliers. South Africa said it aims to increase local beneficiation and industrial value instead of only exporting raw materials. At the same time, the EU plans to support South Africa’s green energy, port and railway infrastructure projects. Markets believe Africa’s resource development and local processing capacity are becoming increasingly important amid intensifying global competition for critical minerals.

Alba (Aluminium Bahrain) announced that it would acquire Aluminium Dunkerque for approximately $2.2 billion. Upon completion of the acquisition, Alba will gain full control of the aluminum smelter located near Dunkirk, France. Notably, the plant is the largest aluminum smelter in the EU, with an annual aluminum production of approximately 300,000 mt. Meanwhile, Bpifrance will purchase a 6% stake in the business for €100 million and secure a seat on the board of Aluminium Dunkerque's holding company.