Rusal to keep production volumes low despite high aluminum prices

Author: Paul Ploumis
29 Aug 2014 Last updated at 03:14:21 GMT
MOSCOW (Scrap Monster): Russian-UC Rusal- the world's largest aluminum company has announced to keep its production below capacities during the rest of the year, despite rising aluminum prices. The company plans to restrict its cumulative aluminum output to 1.8 million mt during July-December period this year. The mills will run at less than 80% of their capacities, Rusal announced.

The company expects aluminum prices to remain positive in the second half of the year. The premiums are also likely to improve. However, Rusal notes that world aluminum producers are seen unwilling to boost production due to several cost factors including power tariff hikes, labour issues and raw material costs. The company plans to persist with the cost-effective production controls. It had implemented a series of production cuts at high cost smelters during the first half of 2014.

The company announced that it will stay away from restarting idled capacities or expanding current facilities. The launch of Boguchansky smelter too is delayed, the company stated.

According to data, primary aluminum ingot, billet, slab and foundry alloys production by Rusal during H1 2014 had totaled 1.7 million mt, down almost 11% when compared with the corresponding six-month period in 2013. The company estimates the full year production for 2014 to reach 3.5 million mt, down nearly 9% when compared with the annual production of 3.5 million mt in 2013.