Operating rates at secondary aluminium makers gained 2.8 percentage points in August

SHANGHAI, Sep 16 (SMM) – Operating rates at secondary aluminium makers gained 2.8 percentage points from July to 53.1% in August, but 3.4 percentage points lower than a year ago.

Impact from imported aluminium alloy weakened as the import window closed in early August, increasing market shares of domestic cargoes. In addition, some downstream users stepped up production even in a low season as their operating days were shortened due to the pandemic.

Operating rates are likely to rise further to about 55% in September, a traditional high season.