SMM Aluminum Products Output Data Analysis in September 2012

SHANGHAI, Oct. 29 (SMM)-

Alumina
According to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), China produced 2.96 million mt of alumina in September, up 6.7% YoY. YTD output through September was 28.73 million mt, up 10.03% YoY.

Primary Aluminum
Data from CNIA shows China produced 1.67 million mt of primary aluminum during September, down 4.45% MoM, but still up 5.69% YoY. Primary aluminum capacity in operation during September totaled 20.39 million mt/yr, down from the 260,000 mt/yr in August. According to an SMM survey, a total of 200,000 mt/yr aluminum capacity came online during September at East Hope Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals and Henan Shenhuo Group. A total of 210,000 mt/yr in aluminum capacity was added during September at Zunyi Yulong Aluminum and Inner Mongolia HMHJ Aluminum Electricity. No production cuts were reported during September, so the MoM decline of primary aluminum capacity is suspect.  

Aluminum Semis
According to CNIA, China produced 2.74 million mt of aluminum semis in September, up 37.12% YoY and 4.55% MoM. August is a seasonal low period for aluminum semis production, but aluminum semis output failed to show stronger growth during September. The average operating rate at aluminum plate, sheet, strip and foil producers during September was 54.22%, up 3.11% MoM, but down 5.95% YoY. The average rate at aluminum extrusion producers was 62.95%, also up 6.48% MoM and down 9.48% YoY. The MoM growth in operating rates at aluminum processors contributed to MoM growth of aluminum semis output.