SHANGHAI, Aug. 1 (SMM) --
Alumina:
According to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), China’s alumina output was 3.10 million mt during June, up 29.39% YoY, and with an annualized capacity of 37.72 million mt, up 2.29 million mt compared with May and up 1.4 million mt compared with April. The growth in alumina output was still within market expectations.

Aluminum:
According to the CNIA, China’s aluminum output was 1.56 million mt during June, up 9.81% YoY, while YTD output from January to June was up 4.4% YoY. Annualized capacity of June output was 19.03 million mt, up 880 kt from May. Commissioning of new projects at Lanzhou Liancheng Aluminum Industry Company and East Hope Baotou Rare Earth Aluminum Company, as well as the restarting of capacity in Henan province, contributed to higher aluminum output during June. Almost 1.5 million mt/yr in new aluminum capacity is scheduled to come online gradually during 2H 2011, so SMM predicts China’s aluminum output will continue to grow.

Aluminum Semis:
According to the CNIA, China’s output of aluminum semis was 2.21 million mt during June, a new high for 2011. Output was up 5.35% compared with May’s 2.09 million mt and up 25.21% YoY. Although the seasonal low demand period for aluminum semis began in June, overall operating rates at aluminum semis producers were still relatively high due mainly to construction of affordable housing. According to an SMM survey, China’s output of aluminum semis is expected to fall during July due to high aluminum prices and declining orders.