China’s Alumina Import Window Has Remained Closed since January 18

Published: Mar 14, 2023 17:06 (GMT+8)
Source: SMM
SHANGHAI, Mar 14 (SMM) - Alcoa announced in early January that production at its Kwinana alumina refinery in Australia would be cut by 30% due to natural gas shortages, affecting about 700,000 mt/year of capacity.

SHANGHAI, Mar 14 (SMM) - Alcoa announced in early January that production at its Kwinana alumina refinery in Australia would be cut by 30% due to natural gas shortages, affecting about 700,000 mt/year of capacity. The refinery remained closed as of March 10, and the time for resumption was unknown. The output cuts kept overseas alumina prices at highs. Alumina prices stood at $366/mt FOB Western Australia on March 10, equivalent to 3,140 yuan/mt CIF major ports in China, which was 204 yuan/mt higher than the domestic spot prices. The import window has been closed since January 18.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
4 hours ago
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
Read More
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
[SMM Flash News] South32 Revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt
Market sources report: South32 revised Q4 '26 CIF MJP Premium Offer at US$265/mt, down from US$325/mt. Validity 5 October 2026.
4 hours ago
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
21 hours ago
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
Read More
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
India ADC 12 Holds Firm as LME Aluminium Falls; Tight Scrap Supply Limits Downside
India ADC 12 prices remained relatively resilient despite a 1.2% decline in LME aluminium 3-month prices between September 24 and 30.
21 hours ago
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
22 hours ago
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
Read More
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
Rio Tinto Secures Bell Bay Smelter Operations Through End-2031
Rio Tinto announced on October 1 that it had reached agreements with the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Commonwealth Government and Hydro Tasmania to extend electricity supply to the Bell Bay aluminium smelter through the end of 2031. The two governments will also provide a combined A$200 million support package over five years, contributing A$100 million each. Commercial terms of the power agreement were not disclosed. Bell Bay produces around 190,000 tonnes of primary aluminium annually, while its existing electricity contract was due to expire at the end of 2026. The agreement removes the smelter’s immediate operational uncertainty. Bell Bay is the third major Australian aluminium smelter to receive government-backed support in 2026, following Boyne and Tomago, highlighting continued pressure from high electricity costs and international competition.
22 hours ago