SHANGHAI, Jan. 16 (SMM) – SMM’s latest survey of domestic aluminum plate, sheet, strip and foil producers found that new orders will decrease at half of the surveyed producers in January, orders will be little changed at 30% of the producers and only 20% will see an increase in orders.

Operation has been suspended at most construction sites and production slows at auto and home appliance makers as the Chinese New Year draws near. In this context, most aluminum plate, sheet, strip and foil producers will close early for the holiday since their orders are thin. Producers will take a longer break for the holiday this year compared with the past years. SMEs, in particular, will suspend production for facility maintenance from late January. 

In contrast, large producers will remain in normal operation since they are capable of securing ample orders. 30% of the surveyed producers will report little changes in orders in January.