Smelters’ Profits Improved amid Falling Costs and Rising Aluminium Prices

SHANGHAI, Feb 6 (SMM) - In terms of aluminium smelters' inputs, the domestic alumina prices and power costs were largely stable last week, while the benchmark prebaked anode purchase prices fell precipitously in February. The full costs of smelters dropped 289 yuan/mt from pre-CNY level to 17,440 yuan/mt as of last Friday, while their profits expanded 189 yuan/mt to 1,439 yuan/mt. SMM A00 aluminium prices stood at 18,880 yuan/mt.

In the short term, coal prices are at risk of going down further, while grid power tariffs may lag behind. Tightening hydropower supply in Yunnan could potentially drive up local electricity prices. Aluminium costs may still have room to fall.