Alumina exports in Dec surge over 3,700% YoY

Trades in the domestic alumina market remained thin last week. Prices under negotiation and traded prices in north China were largely stable between 2,340-2,350 yuan/mt. Some aluminium plants in north-west China made purchase.

China’s copper cathode output increased month on month in November as the amount of new capacities continued to rise and as copper smelters stepped up production at the end of the year. In addition, rising inflow of high-quality copper scrap into domestic markets after the secondary copper resource policy took effect from November 1 boosted operating rates at copper scrap smelters.

Many northern regions have issued output control policies for the 2020-2021 heating season. SMM issued an article on October 31 that analysed the impact of the 2020-2021 heating season on aluminium and alumina industries. The followings are updates on the actual production restrictions.

China’s copper cathode output rose sharply in August due to minimal maintenance and ample supply of copper scrap.  

China’s imports of copper ore and concentrate continued to decline in June, falling to 1.59 million mt from 1.69 million mt in May, according to China customs data released on Tuesday. Imports in the first half of the year, however, remained 3% higher year on year. 

Net imports of alumina amounted to 1.01 million mt in the first eleven months of the year

Exports of refined manganese, which contain unwrought manganese, scrap, and powder, were up 23.07% from Aug

Exports from the world's biggest tin exporter stood at 5,518.62 mt in Aug

Exports fell 139,000 mt from Jan to stand at 3,443 mt in Feb, down 10.5% from a year earlier

This is a roundup of China's base metals output in Jan 2019