Aluminium China 2018 showcases Asia’s thriving industry despite US tariffs

(Posted on 04/07/18)

In the face of the US tariff storm, the Aluminium China 2018 exhibition and conference in Shanghai from 11-13 July, will provide China’s aluminium industry with its first global platform since the announcement to expand business into other world markets. In particular, the event, which will bring together some 500 exhibitors and 24,000 visitors from more than 30 countries and regions, will reinforce China’s connections with the rest of Asia and strengthen business cooperation to drive further growth and development of the aluminium industry.

It was in March that US President Donald Trump approved the ‘safeguard’ duties of 10% on certain aluminium products, which have huge implications for China’s aluminium industry. At the Asia Summit at Aluminium China 2018, representatives from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will deliver their responses to the tariffs and plans to mitigate their impact. Meanwhile, at the ‘Guest Country of Honour- Thailand Day Forum’, speakers from the Thailand Department of Foreign Trade and Ministry of Commerce will also present the Thai Government’s response to Donald Trump’s new tariff policy. Furthermore, professionals from the Thailand Aluminium Association, major industrial parks and enterprises will share an overview of trade relations between Thailand and China, including investment policies, laws and regulations and explore new business opportunities.

With a growing focus on the global aluminium industry, the 14th Aluminium China will put the spotlight on innovation and breakthroughs in green technologies as well as on the latest industry trends, technologies, emerging markets and major new applications.

With international attention on energy conservation and environmental protection, this year’s event will be supporting the China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Association to launch the Forum on Energy Conservation, Environmental Protection and Technology Development of the Aluminium Processing Industry. The forum will focus on energy conservation, environmental protection and clean transformation, helping to map out a green, healthy and long-term development plan.

World demand for aluminium products is increasingly strong in sectors such as automotive, architecture, transportation, electric power, electronics, household appliances and machinery and equipment. As the automotive industry is a core market for aluminium applications, the show will feature an Automotive Day to include the Asia Lightweight Automotive Summit, which will incorporate sessions on the Application of Metal Materials and Manufacturing Technology in Lightweight New Energy Vehicles, Lightweight Commercial Logistics Vehicles in China.

Leading international auto manufacturers, spare parts system suppliers and material suppliers will also be launching new technologies, processes and lightweight vehicle developments. Aluminium demand for consumer electronics, household appliances as well as other main application industries, will also be highlighted at the themed onsite conferences.

“This year, the exhibition is further enhanced with new forums and special showcases on aluminium downstream, such as aluminium packaging, lightweight automobiles and aluminium lifestyle zone,” said Kelly Li, Project Manager of Aluminium China. "Aluminium China not only provides a rich experience for visitors from across the whole aluminium industry, but also opens up new opportunities for businesses and connections with the world.”