38th Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference
The 38th Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference has officially come to a close, bringing together the aluminium industry to have discussions on sustainability, market trends, technological advancements, trade policies, and other key factors shaping the industry’s trajectory. On this occasion, FACE’s Alberto Pomari led the round table “Europe’s Role in the Aluminium Market”, to explore, together with the participants, Europe’s pivotal role in the global aluminium market amidst shifting dynamics and emerging challenges.
In particular, the participants:
- assessed the implications of Europe’s stagnant capacity growth and the widening gap between recycling supply and demand, particularly considering the continent’s ambitious sustainability goals;
- delved into the potential ramifications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and other policy measures on industry competitiveness, while contemplating strategic pathways for Europe to navigate these complex landscapes and maintain its position as a leading player in the aluminium market;
- talked about on how we should advocate with the new European Commission and Parliament to support SMEs, and in particular in the aluminium downstream sector.
Here is the conference, in Alberto’s words:
“Athens, early September 2024. During the three-day international conference organized by Fastmarkets, set against the stunning backdrop of the Parthenon in Athens, we had the opportunity to hear from prominent speakers from across the global aluminium industry.
Fastmarkets is one of the most reliable price reporting agencies in the markets for agriculture, forestry products, metals and mining, and next-generation energy. Fastmarkets provides price data, forecasts, and market analysis that offer clients strategic advantages in complex, volatile, and often opaque markets. The event provided an opportunity for immersive experiences, networking, and discussions on critical issues of the day.
Many people were met, and there were numerous interesting presentations. The topics covered various current issues in the aluminium world. FACE had the opportunity to coordinate a round table with companies such as Alro Vimetco (a well-known primary aluminium producer in Romania), Aptagroup (a German spray can producer), Ball Beverage Packaging (a world leader in the field of spray cans), RMB (an Italian company specializing in the collection and refining of scrap for foundries), and others.
We had the chance to discuss the key topics of the moment. From the decommissioning of primary metal production plants in Europe, to the CBAM regulations, which risk damaging the entire aluminium transformation downstream sector, to the duties on imported primary metal (which, in truth, no one mentioned during the conference), concluding with forecasts on the future uses of aluminium.”
As FACE, we support, as we have always done, the need to create equal access conditions to the aluminium raw material in Europe, looking after the interests of the thousands of small and medium-sized companies downstream processing, transforming and using the light metal, while at the same time developing initiatives to promote its research and development, the knowledge of its virtuous economic, social and environmental prerogatives, and to encourage its diffusion in the appropriate end uses.
Thanks to all the organisers, attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making this event so memorable and impactful for the whole sector.
Here the photo gallery by Fastmarkets: https://www.flickr.com/photos/199117634@N05/
