Global Aluminum Market Trends

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

25 years in the aluminum semi-finished product industry, mostly in Sales, marketing, and business development for companies such as Constellium, Novelis, AMAG, Aluminum Duffel, Alunna.
General engineering, aerospace, space, defense, automotive sectors.

Q2. What are the most significant market trends shaping the global aluminum industry today, and how are they influencing customer demand?

• Recycling content and CO2 footprint
• Raw material availability
• Supply chain disruption
• Volatile LME and premium
• Contract customers look for risk coverage, recycled content, and CO2 footprint.
• Spot customers buying smaller batches more often. 
• Highly competitive markets besides aerospace.

Q3. How have customer procurement priorities evolved in response to supply chain disruptions, sustainability goals, and changing market conditions?

• Origin of the material is important
• flexibility
• Agility at the lowest price
• Less long-term view

Q4. How are decarbonization goals influencing product development and innovation within the rolled aluminum industry?

This is a key part:
Most of the new developments have to take recycled content and CO2 footprint into consideration.
Some developments in Aluminum solve exactly those topics (replacement of steel, copper, etc.).

Q5. How is AI improving …