SMM Morning Comment: Tight Alumina Spot Market Supports Prices Despite Supply and Demand Adjustments

[SMM Morning Comment on Alumina: Spot Alumina Remains Tight, Spot Prices Supported]

Supply side, domestic alumina operating rates slightly declined this week, mainly due to the impact of environmental protection policies in northern regions on the roasting process at some alumina refineries, as well as maintenance of roasting furnaces at certain refineries. Demand side, SMM learned that some aluminum smelters in Sichuan have recently started production cuts due to losses and maintenance needs, which are expected to affect an annual aluminum capacity of 205,000 mt, leading to a slight decrease in downstream production demand. Overall, the short-term alumina fundamentals are unlikely to see a significant surplus. Suppliers still show sentiment to stand firm on quotes, but with alumina prices remaining high, downstream buyers exhibit strong resistance to high prices, leading to cautious spot procurement. In the short term, the market may enter a stage of back-and-forth negotiations between upstream and downstream, with spot alumina prices likely to remain stable and fluctuate within a narrow range.