SHANGHAI, Oct. 8 (SMM) –

 

China’s alumina output in August hit 3.85 million mt, up 0.28% YoY. YTD output through August totaled 29.04 million mt, also up 10.39% from a year ago, according to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA). The commissioning of new capacity over the past two months has slowed significantly. The commissioning of most new capacity has been limited to three large producers since other producers delayed commissioning of new capacity due to falling alumina prices.   

 

China's aluminum output in August grew at a slower pace due to production cuts and slower pace of commissioning of new capacity.

 

China produced 1.86 million mt of aluminum during August, up 6.52% YoY and only 1.33% MoM, data from the CNIA showed.

 

Two factors were behind the slower growth in aluminum output during August. First, some smelters cut production. Second, new capacity in northwest China was brought online at a slower pace than expected due to depressed aluminum prices and slow construction of power stations. However, SMM expects monthly growth in aluminum output to accelerate from 4Q.  

 

China’s aluminum semis output during August hit 3.4 million mt, a gain of 29.69% YoY and 2.62% MoM, the CNIA announced. Operating rates at aluminum plate/sheet and strip producers surveyed by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) during August averaged 60.89%, and 61.08% at aluminum extrusion producers, flat at July levels and in line with data provided by the CNIA.