Analysis by region: Alumina Operating Rate Hits a New Low in the Past Months

In 31 of Jan, China's metallurgical-grade alumina total production in January decreased by 1.10% compared to December 2023, but increased by 5.5% year-on-year.

In Shanxi province, the overall operating rate in January was 66.7%, down by 2.5% from December, mainly due to some alumina plants in Shanxi experiencing restricted production due to local ore supply shortages, resulting in a decrease in the operating rate.

In Henan province, the overall operating rate in January was 56.7%, down by 5.2% from the previous month, as some alumina plants in Sanmenxia reduced or halted production due to insufficient ore supply. Additionally, certain alumina plants were restricted in their calcination capacity due to local heavy pollution weather warnings. However, production resumed in early February following the lifting of local pollution warnings.

In Guizhou province, production at certain alumina plants was slightly reduced due to equipment maintenance, while others increased production due to favorable profit margins and downstream demand, leading to a 1.5% month-on-month increase in the overall operating rate to 86.0% in January.

In Hebei province, alumina production remained stable in January, with a slight increase in the operating rate by 0.8% from the previous month to 88.3%.

In Guangxi province, the operating rate in January decreased slightly by 0.8% from December to 84.1%, as some alumina plants faced ore supply shortages and equipment maintenance, resulting in a reduction in production by around 25,000 tons for the month.

In Shandong province, the overall operating rate increased by 1.6% from December to 95.2% in January. However, some alumina plants in Shandong experienced restrictions in calcination capacity due to frequent local heavy pollution weather warnings in late January. Production resumed to normal levels in early February, with overall alumina operating conditions remaining stable.

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