China’s Alumina Import Window Has Remained Closed since January 18

SHANGHAI, Mar 14 (SMM) - Alcoa announced in early January that production at its Kwinana alumina refinery in Australia would be cut by 30% due to natural gas shortages, affecting about 700,000 mt/year of capacity. The refinery remained closed as of March 10, and the time for resumption was unknown. The output cuts kept overseas alumina prices at highs. Alumina prices stood at $366/mt FOB Western Australia on March 10, equivalent to 3,140 yuan/mt CIF major ports in China, which was 204 yuan/mt higher than the domestic spot prices. The import window has been closed since January 18.