SMM Aluminum Products Output Data Analysis in April 2013

SHANGHAI, Jun. 5 (SMM) –

Alumina
Data from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) show China’s alumina output hit 3.49 million mt during April, up 10.66% YoY. YTD output through April totaled 13.84 million mt, also up 14.49% YoY. Increased output from new alumina projects of Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group, Guangxi Xinfa Alumina Plant, Guangxi Tiandong Jinsheng Chemical and Yunnan Aluminum are behind the YoY increase in alumina output during April.

Aluminum
According to the CNIA, China produced 1.71 million mt of aluminum during April, up 11.53% YoY. YTD output through April hit 7.01 million mt, also up 15.1% YoY. Total aluminum capacity in operation during April was 20.77 million mt/yr on an annualized basis, up 360,000 mt/yr from March. Production cuts were offset by the commissioning of new capacity, so there was little net change in capacity. 

Aluminum Semis
Data from the CNIA show aluminum semis output in China during April hit 3.26 million mt, a surge of 33.7% YoY. Total output from January to April also grew 34.29% YoY to 11.3 million mt. Rapid development during the first half of this year in the construction, automobile and packaging sectors is boosting demand for aluminum semis, but demand from the machinery manufacturing sector remains only modest.