Falling Costs & Soaring Aluminum Prices Lift Average Profit in Aluminum Industry Above 7,500 yuan/mt in January

SMM 

According to SMM data, the average tax-inclusive full cost of China's aluminum industry in January 2026 dropped 0.6% MoM and fell 19.5% YoY. During the period, raw material costs for alumina and auxiliary material costs for prebaked anode declined, while electricity and aluminum fluoride costs increased, resulting in a slight pullback in total cost. The average SMM A00 spot price in January was approximately 23,641 yuan/mt (December 26, 2025–January 25, 2026), with the monthly average aluminum price rising 1,840 yuan/mt MoM. Aluminum profit margins expanded to over 7,500 yuan/mt. If calculated using the monthly average price, 100% of domestic operating aluminum capacity was profitable in January.

Cost breakdown:  
Alumina raw material side, SMM data showed the average SMM alumina index in January was 2,667 yuan/mt (December 26, 2025–January 25, 2026), down 4.6% MoM. Domestic alumina inventory continued to build up during the month, and prices declined gradually. Entering February 2026, operating alumina capacity is expected to decrease due to maintenance and production cuts, but spot alumina supply remains relatively ample. Spot alumina prices are likely to remain under pressure in the short term, with the monthly average price projected to fall MoM. Alumina raw material costs are expected to decline.

Auxiliary material market side, prebaked anode prices dropped in January, while fluoride salt prices rose MoM. In February 2026, both prebaked anode and aluminum fluoride prices are expected to decline, and auxiliary material costs are projected to decrease.

Electricity prices side, entering the dry season, electricity prices in provinces with high hydropower shares such as Yunnan and Sichuan increased significantly in January, raising the average national aluminum electricity cost. In February 2026, electricity prices are expected to stabilize, and aluminum electricity costs are projected to remain steady.

Overall, SMM expects the weighted average tax-inclusive full cost of the domestic aluminum industry in February 2026 to decline MoM, with the average ranging around 15,700–16,100 yuan/mt.