Alcoa: global aluminum demand is expected to increase by 10% in 2021 compared with the previous year

Aluminium Ingot January Production Analysis & February Forecast

According to SMM's research findings, Yunnan Province is currently experiencing a dry season, with hydropower contribution remaining at a relatively low level. Enterprises have no immediate plans for production resumption and await clearer policy guidance from the power sector.

The implementation of Indonesia's ban on bauxite exports since June last year has led to bauxite surplus, brought challenges to consume domestically as the Indonesia's alumina plants have limited capacity. Ronald Sulistyanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Bauxite and Iron Ore Entrepreneurs Association (Asosiasi Pengusaha Bauksit dan Bijih Besi Indonesia - APB3I), highlighted the struggle to secure external investment for alumina plant projects, while some entrepreneurs are forced to cut costs or halt production. However, there is hope for relief through potential relaxation of the export ban policy. Efforts are underway to boost alumina production capacity, although challenges persist in addressing the surplus bauxite issue.

China produced 848,500 mt of copper cathode in March, up 8.42% MoM and down 5.79% YoY, according to SMM statistics.

According to SMM survey, the domestic high-carbon ferrochrome output totalled 389,000 mt in September, a drop of 96,200 mt or 19.83% month on month, and down 133,600 mt or 34.34% year on year.

The project is designed with an annualised capacity of 2 million mt

An estimated 7,000 mt of low-grade nickel pig iron (NPI) output will be affected across low-grade NPI plants in Linyi of Shandong province as plants shut for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

About 100,000 mt of #300 stainless steel output will be affected as a stainless steel plant in north-west China undertakes maintenance and as a steelmaker in Fujian province cuts production

In 2017 global nickel sulfate capacity is 570,000 tons. In 2018 the figure will reach 685,000 tons, rising 20.18% on yearly basis.

As per SMM research, one low-nickel pig iron plant in Guangxi has delayed its production since breakdown maintenance.