China's Aluminum Processing Sector Sees Operating Rates Fall Amid Off-Season and Rising Prices

Published: Aug 7, 2026 17:05

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[SMM Aluminum Express] This week, the operating rate at China's downstream aluminum processing industry leaders fell 0.2 percentage points WoW to 60.1%, extending its downward trend for several consecutive weeks. Off-season characteristics continued to deepen, with operations across all sectors generally weakening or holding steady at low levels. The aluminum processing industry remained weak this week, pressured by both deepening off-season effects and rebounding aluminum prices, as export support faded and domestic demand recovery was slow. The overall operating rate in August is expected to remain on a weak trend.

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