China's Nov Alumina Output Falls 4.44% MoM as Environmental Curbs Cut Northern Operations

SMM November 28 news:

According to data from SMM, China's metallurgical-grade alumina output in November 2025 (30 days) decreased by 4.44% month-on-month but increased by 1.36% year-on-year. As of the end of November, China's total installed capacity for metallurgical-grade alumina stood at approximately 110.32 million tons, while the operating capacity fell by 1.26% month-on-month, with an operating rate of 82.04%.

Daily average output experienced a slight decline during the month but remained at a relatively high level. This was mainly due to phased production cuts and equipment adjustments at some enterprises in northern regions, while operations in southern regions remained relatively stable, providing some support to overall output. In mid-November, several plants underwent concentrated production line maintenance. At the same time, with the start of the heating season and the ongoing annual carbon emission inspections, environmental compliance pressures intensified, leading some companies to reduce output to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, some enterprises carried out production line upgrades, contributing to the slight dip in output this month. In contrast, alumina production in southern China remained largely unaffected, maintaining stable operations.

By late November, the factors previously constraining production gradually eased. As maintenance activities were completed and upgrade projects concluded, alumina producers gradually resumed capacity, leading to a modest recovery in output by the end of the month.

Outlook for December
The alumina market is expected to remain in a supply surplus in December. With average monthly prices continuing to trend downward, some high-cost producers in Shanxi and Henan provinces have fallen into losses, facing mounting operational pressure. On the supply side, overseas alumina showed a net import trend in November, continuing to impact the domestic market. Imports in December are expected to remain at November's level, further pressuring the domestic alumina market. Against this backdrop, some domestic producers may initiate voluntary output cuts or schedule maintenance to alleviate the pressure. Overall, industry operating capacity in December is projected to remain around 88.69 million tons.