March 2026: Aluminum Alloy Imports Down 5.7% YoY, Exports Up 50.8%

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Canyon Resources has mobilized the surface miner at the Daniel Plateau of its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon. Trial mining operations are scheduled to commence this month (April 2026). First production remains on track for mid-Q2 2026. Upgrade works on the haul road to the Inland Rail Facility (IRF) are progressing as planned. The first seven locomotives were shipped from China at the end of March and are expected to arrive at the Port of Douala in late Q2 2026. The maiden bauxite trial shipment is now scheduled for Q3 2026, with full-scale shipments targeted for Q4 2026. Discussions are ongoing for Canyon to increase its stake in Camrail from 9.1% to over 20%, which would strengthen its control over the mine-to-port logistics chain.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alcoa alumina production fell 5% QoQ to 2.4 Mt (due to Australian maintenance), while aluminum output was steady at 607 kt. The company noted rerouting of millions of tons of refining capacity due to Middle East disruptions. Higher aluminum prices provided a ~$55M gain in the aluminum segment, offset by a ~$15M hit in alumina. Alcoa highlighted ongoing challenges from the Iran conflict on alumina supply chains.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Century Aluminum has started hot metal production at its expanded Mt. Holly smelter in South Carolina, USA. The expansion is expected to reach full capacity by June 2026 and will increase U.S. primary aluminum production by approximately 10%.