February production decreased by 95 thousand tons compared to January, but due to fewer working days, the average daily figure increased. According to SMM, higher aluminum prices contributed to higher capacity utilization. Some enterprises in the provinces of Sichuan and Guangxi significantly increased production compared to January.
High prices in China have reduced the interest of local companies in foreign sales. In February, China’s exports of unprocessed aluminum and aluminum semi-finished products amounted to 408 thousand tons, and for two months – 859 thousand tons. This is 12.7 and 11.0% less, respectively, than in the same periods last year.
SMM also reports that in February, China produced 6.939 million tons of metallurgical alumina. This is 8.5% less than in January, but 10.4% more than in February 2024. Unlike aluminum, alumina in China is now relatively cheap, while prices for imported bauxite, on the contrary, have increased. Therefore, some alumina refineries have reduced production.
Source: IIS “Metal Supply and Sales”