The 18th China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition opened in Shanghai.

This year’s exhibition has brought together high‑quality resources from both domestic and international aluminum industries and end‑use sectors, attracting more than 500 leading and emerging companies from around the world to showcase cutting‑edge technologies, innovative products, and new applications. Among them, over 100 are first-time exhibitors. Numerous renowned foreign‑invested enterprises have returned, with a total exhibition space exceeding 45,000 square meters, drawing visitors from more than 70 countries worldwide. According to statistics, nearly 13,000 attendees visited on the opening day alone.

Ge Honglin, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association; Fan Shunkuo, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association; Luo Junmin, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers; Miles Prosser, Secretary-General of the International Aluminium Association; Chen Weijun, Secretary-General of the Wheel Rim Branch of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers; Muzi Manzi, Chairman of the South African Aluminium Federation; Meng Yijie, Secretary-General of the China Composites Industry Association; Jeong Chan-wook, President of the Korea Aluminum Cooperative Federation; Wu Hongjun, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Packaging Federation; Ko Yasuyuki, Senior Manager of the Japan Aluminium Association; and Zheng Zhisheng, President of Greater China at Reed Exhibitions, among others, attended the opening ceremony and cut the ribbon to officially launch the exhibition. Ge Honglin, Luo Junmin, and Zhang Lan, Senior Vice President of Reed Exhibitions for Greater China, each delivered remarks.

In his address, Ge Honglin emphasized that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China’s aluminum processing industry has vigorously advanced green, low-carbon, intelligent, and high‑value‑added development. After ten years of unremitting efforts, it has achieved remarkable accomplishments that have drawn worldwide attention: First, China has become the world’s largest aluminum producer, with its output and sales of aluminum processed products ranking first globally for many consecutive years, giving it a pivotal international standing; a number of internationally renowned brand enterprises have emerged, accelerating the country’s march toward becoming a global leader in aluminum processing. Second, China has become the largest exporter of aluminum fabricated products, with exports now reaching 222 countries and regions worldwide. In 2022, China’s aluminum extrusion exports are expected to reach 8.82 million tons, setting yet another record. Third, China is now the country with the broadest applications of aluminum products. At present, Chinese aluminum companies have successfully implemented differentiated applications of aluminum in sectors such as new‑energy vehicles, photovoltaics, energy storage, marine engineering, green buildings, and home furnishings, speeding up their transformation from mere material manufacturers into providers of comprehensive solutions. Fourth, China has established itself as a hub for independent innovation in aluminum processing. Today, the Chinese aluminum industry has achieved breakthroughs across the board in the production technologies of high‑end aluminum materials—including aerospace alloys, power‑battery foil, and automotive sheet—while key equipment such as 125 MN pre‑stretching units has been domestically produced. Fifth, China’s aluminum industry has evolved into an industrial structure dominated by the private sector. Currently, there are more than 3,500 private enterprises above designated size in the aluminum processing sector, accounting for over 96% of the nation’s total output value, and a growing cohort of dynamic specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative firms, along with numerous “little giant” enterprises.

Ge Honglin stated that, with the support and under the witness of the global aluminum industry, the China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition has been successfully held for 18 sessions and has now become the most influential international aluminum event in China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This clearly demonstrates that, over the past 18 years, in order to advance the development of China’s aluminum processing industry, we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the organizing committee of the China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition to further enhance the quality of the event, continuously strengthen the “China Show” brand, and strive to make it the world’s largest, most professional, and highest‑level exhibition—ultimately establishing it as a premier global trade show that contributes even more effectively to the high‑quality development of the aluminum processing sector.

In his address, Luo Junmin stated that innovation in automotive lightweighting technologies will be one of the key initiatives driving China’s national strategy for new‑energy vehicles and a critical step toward achieving the country’s “dual carbon” goals. According to the vision for the development of automotive lightweighting, by 2030, China’s level of lightweighting technology will see a substantial upgrade, with the curb weight of complete vehicles reduced by 35% compared to 2015 levels. The share of high‑strength steel, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and carbon fiber in vehicle applications will increase markedly. The widespread adoption of these advanced materials will spur breakthroughs in lightweighting technologies and foster innovative growth among Chinese automakers and their component‑supply chain partners.

Luo Junmin stated that, against the backdrop of the automotive industry’s transformation and upgrading, the China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition and the Asia Automotive Lightweighting Exhibition—both flagship events annually supported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers—have, over more than a decade, evolved from initially showcasing only lightweight materials for automobiles into comprehensive, specialized trade shows covering raw materials, components, manufacturing technologies, and end-to‑to‑end solutions. These exhibitions bring together cutting-edge lightweighting technologies, key industry topics, and leading suppliers, establishing a platform for cross‑industry dialogue and a showcase for innovative breakthroughs, thereby effectively facilitating supply‑demand matching across the automotive value chain. Through the exchanges and collaborations fostered at this year’s event, the application and development of lightweight materials, components, and technologies in the new‑energy vehicle sector will be vigorously advanced, accelerating the industrialization of groundbreaking scientific and technological achievements in this field, enhancing the international competitiveness of China’s automotive industry, and making a positive contribution to the modernization drive of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

In her address, Zhang Lan stated that Aluminum China has consistently kept a close eye on industry trends, committed to expanding both domestic and international markets, and bringing together high‑quality resources from across the global aluminum sector and its end‑use applications to foster connectivity throughout the aluminum value chain. Since ALU Aluminum Trade Connect officially launched at the end of 2022, its annual online promotion and foreign‑trade outreach initiatives have served more than 100 export‑oriented manufacturers, hosting over 300 business‑matching events and facilitating numerous order placements. With the strong return of international exhibitors and overseas visitors, this year’s exhibition will leverage a variety of formats—such as international forums and dedicated matchmaking sessions for overseas buyers—to help industry peers at home and abroad re‑establish connections, access richer supply‑and‑demand insights, and unlock new opportunities for international collaboration. In addition, this edition of the Aluminum Expo will be held in tandem with the Asia Automotive Lightweighting Expo and the Shanghai International Wheel Industry Exhibition, enabling resource sharing and supporting the aluminum industry’s ongoing expansion into new application areas.

Following the exhibition’s opening ceremony, Ge Honglin and his delegation visited the booths of China Aluminum Corporation, Nanshan Group Co., Ltd., China Hongqiao Group Co., Ltd., Henan Mingtai Aluminum Co., Ltd., Guangdong Fenglu Aluminum Co., Ltd., Henan Zhongfu Industrial Co., Ltd., Shandong Chuangxin Metal Technology Co., Ltd., and Wanji Holding Group Co., Ltd., conducting on-site inspections and gaining an in-depth understanding of the latest technologies and application achievements across the entire aluminum processing industry value chain in China.

Which companies participated in this exhibition?

As the annual highlight of the aluminum industry, this year’s China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition has drawn more than 500 exhibitors from both domestic and international markets. Prominent companies such as China Aluminum Corporation, Nanshan Aluminum, China Hongqiao Group, Qili Aomei, Mingtai Aluminum, Shandong Innovation, Zhongfu Industrial, Yunhai Metals, Fenglu Group, Guangya Aluminum, Jinqiao Aluminum, Yongjie Aluminum, Hercules Aluminum, Dingmei New Materials, Xisheng Aluminum, Wanjie Aluminum, Longding Aluminum, Wanda Aluminum, Henglitai Machinery, Haomei Aluminum, Wantong Metals, Yongtong Aluminum, North China Aluminum, Runhua Aluminum, Shixin Materials, Pradi Technology, Kaomait Technology, Wanzhou Welding, and Zhuoshen Equipment have all showcased their latest innovations. Meanwhile, emerging players—including Gree Intelligent Equipment, Xiamen Xiangyu, Xinhe Aluminum, Huamin Aluminum, Tuopu Aluminum, Ainimu Aluminum, Chengfeng Aluminum Products, and Xinjiasheng Aluminum—have also taken part, injecting fresh energy into the event. In addition, internationally renowned manufacturers such as SMS Group, PYROTEK, Wagstaff, Danieli Group, Primetals, TMEIC, Spain’s Aleastur, RHI (Prime Magnesium Trading), Tenova, Otto Junker, Germany’s IMS Technology, and Italy’s F.I.M.I. have once again gathered, presenting a robust lineup and bringing together industry leaders, thereby underscoring the renewed dynamism and vitality of the global aluminum sector.

Which companies will attend the trade show?

The China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition has garnered widespread attention from the industry and earned the favor of numerous enterprises, thanks not only to its impressive roster of exhibitors but also to its highly professional and high‑value audience. Leveraging a one‑stop procurement model, this year’s event has significantly expanded industry‑chain activities on the aluminum‑materials application side, while inviting industry buyers and end‑users to engage in targeted matchmaking and negotiations, striving to best meet the supply‑and‑demand needs of companies across the entire aluminum value chain.

First, in conjunction with this year’s China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition, the organizers also hosted the Asia Automotive Lightweighting Exhibition and the Shanghai International Wheel Hub Industry Exhibition. Accompanying these events was the Fourth Forum on Automotive Lightweighting Technologies and Innovative Applications of Related Materials, which featured dedicated exhibition areas for automotive lightweight components and advanced composite materials. The program focused on hot‑topic issues, cutting-edge technologies, and manufacturing processes in automotive lightweighting, fostering industry‑wide technical exchange and exploring ways to reduce costs while boosting efficiency. This initiative will effectively facilitate connections between aluminum producers and automotive lightweighting companies, further advancing the adoption and promotion of aluminum in the automotive lightweighting sector.

During the exhibition, the organizers actively invited downstream application companies in sectors such as automotive, packaging, consumer electronics, and photovoltaics to engage in face-to-face discussions with exhibitors, seeking opportunities for collaboration. As of the opening of the event, the organizing committee had received confirmation from more than 400 companies, along with their submitted procurement requirements.

Moreover, several exhibitors used this year’s aluminum industry expo to articulate their specific procurement needs. BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. hopes to gain valuable insights into business collaboration in the areas of hot‑forming aluminum and aluminum profiles during the event; Minshi Group aims to explore solutions for various aluminum welding processes; Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd. seeks to connect with manufacturers engaged in aluminum sheet, strip, and foil applications; O.R.G. Technology Co., Ltd. plans to engage in in-depth discussions with aluminum‑processing companies on challenges related to thinning technologies and the recycling of aluminum beverage cans; Suzhou Huaxingyuanchuang Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. intends to identify new aluminum‑based wear‑resistant materials for screen‑inspection equipment, while also investigating antistatic and lightweight material options, and to address technical hurdles associated with aluminum alloys used in non‑standard testing devices, thereby achieving cost reduction and efficiency gains; meanwhile, Jinko Energy CIRS Industrial Co., Ltd. is looking to the show to find ways to improve the performance of fin‑milling processes in aluminum fabrication—its proprietary fin‑milled heat sinks have already met the company’s technical specifications for 1060‑grade aluminum sheet and are now working toward establishing an industry standard for such products.

According to reports, this year’s exhibition has not only brought together domestic companies from the relevant industry chain but has also attracted exhibitors from India, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Germany, Mexico, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Japan, and other countries and regions. In addition, overseas visitors from more than 70 countries and regions—including Thailand, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the Philippines, Spain, Canada, and Italy—have actively participated.

More than 30,000 industry professionals from around the world are expected to attend the exhibition, seeking solutions to meet their specific needs.

What other events will be held during the exhibition?

To showcase the aluminum industry’s latest materials and technologies, enable participants to experience new products and applications, and explore emerging concepts and trends, the organizers of this year’s exhibition have meticulously planned and hosted a series of diverse, content‑rich thematic seminars. These include the 10th Aluminum Packaging and Sustainable Development Forum, Exhibitor Technical Workshops, an Aluminum Alloy Melting and Casting Technology Symposium, the China Recycled Aluminum Industry Chain Integration and Development Forum, the Automotive Lightweighting Processes and Related Materials Innovation Applications Forum, the Forum on Trends in Aluminum Technologies for Consumer Electronics, as well as the inaugural “Future Aluminum Factory: Digitalization and Smart Manufacturing Applications” Forum, among many other specialized technical forums. In addition, the organizers have invited distinguished international experts to attend the International Aluminum Industry Development Forum, which will focus on the prospects and challenges of global development and cooperation, jointly charting a new course for the future of the global aluminum industry.

In addition to the forum events, the exhibition venue features four dedicated professional zones: an aluminum packaging public‑interest zone showcasing cutting‑edge aluminum packaging solutions across various sectors; a recycled aluminum zone centered on green practices, low carbon emissions, environmental protection, and sustainable development; as well as zones focusing on automotive lightweight components and lightweight composite materials.

In addition, this year’s exhibition featured a special high‑profile event: “Coffee with the Leaders.” On the afternoon of July 5, during the China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition, a live interview titled “Coffee with the Leaders” was held. Five senior executives and managers from leading companies—including Fan Yunqiang, Chairman and Party Secretary of China Aluminum Corporation’s High‑End Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Chairman of Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co., Ltd.; Lu Zhengfeng, General Manager of Henan Zhongfu Industrial Co., Ltd.; Ma Wenchao, Chairman of the same company; Wang Linsheng, Deputy General Manager of Guangdong Qili Aomei High‑Tech Materials Co., Ltd.; and Wu Zilong, Deputy General Manager and Sales Director of Conglin Aluminum Technology (Shandong) Co., Ltd.—engaged in an in‑depth discussion on the theme of “Comprehensively Advancing the Sustainable Development of the Aluminum Processing Industry,” addressing current industry hot topics, outlining future prospects, and fostering collaborative progress across the sector. The interview was moderated by Zhang Jilin, Vice President of the China Nonferrous Metals Processing Industry Association.

Over the course of the three-day exhibition, participating companies are sure to reap substantial benefits through robust exchanges among peers, the cross‑pollination of cutting‑edge industry insights, and the emergence of fresh ideas and new business opportunities.