China Alumina Output to Grow in May, SMM Expects

SHANGHAI, May 9 (SMM) – Based on current maintenance at alumina producers, SMM estimates China’s alumina output at 5.82 million tonnes in May.

However, the actual output might be lower than the forecasted figure and March’s level since more producers may conduct maintenance if alumina prices keep falling. 

 China’s alumina output grew 23.3% from a year ago to 5.7 million tonnes in April, and the daily average output inched up 0.3% month-on-month to 190,000 tonnes, SMM statistics showed. 

China Base Metal Output Data in April 2017, SMM Exclusive Data

Some producers, who had profit, stepped up production. Small producers began suffering losses in mid-April. Shanxi Xiaoyi Taixing Aluminum Magnesium shifted to production of aluminum hydroxide in mid-April. Menxi Aluminum in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, closed in April and plans to resume production in July. East Hope Jinzhong Chemical put 1 million-tpy line under maintenance in late April and early May. Shanxi Xiaoyi Tianyuan Chemical put three lines under maintenance in turns in May.  

SMM revised March’s alumina output to 5.87 million tonnes since some producers ramped up production.   

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