SHANGHAI, Sep 16 (SMM) – Operating rates at secondary aluminium makers gained 2.8 percentage points from July to 53.1% in August, but 3.4 percentage points lower than a year ago.
Impact from imported aluminium alloy weakened as the import window closed in early August, increasing market shares of domestic cargoes. In addition, some downstream users stepped up production even in a low season as their operating days were shortened due to the pandemic.
Operating rates are likely to rise further to about 55% in September, a traditional high season.
![Secondary aluminum operating rate saw a narrower MoM decline but a sharper YoY drop in June[SMM Analysis]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/aezhG20251217171650.jpg)
![In June, the operating rate of secondary aluminum producers saw a narrowing MoM decline and a deep YoY pullback, with attention to production elasticity driven by price spreads [SMM Analysis]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/risnW20251217171650.jpg)

