SHANGHAI, Feb. 13 (SMM) -- According to a recent SMM survey, operating rates at 34 aluminum plate, sheet, strip and foil producers were 41.05% during January, down 12.39% MoM, due mainly to production suspension at most enterprises during the Chinese New Year holiday.

Operating rates at large producers were 41.44% in January, down 10.45% MoM; operating rates at medium producers were 40.65%, down 18.3% MoM; and operating rates at small producers were 32.36%, down 28.6% MoM.

Enterprises have begun to resume operations gradually in February, but the production resumption was slow due to limited new orders and labor shortages. SMM predicts operating rates at aluminum plate, sheet, strip and foil producers will be 55% during February.