According to the International Aluminium Institute, Africa’s primary aluminium production during the first quarter of 2023 ended March 31, stood at 392,000 tonnes, down by 3.21 per cent or 13,000 tonnes from 405,000 tonnes during Q4 2022. On a year-on-year basis, the output edged a drop of 1.26 per cent from 397,000 tonnes.

However, Africa’s monthly output in March stood 8,000 tonnes or 6.50 per cent higher than 123,000 tonnes in February at 131,000 tonnes, but fell 6,000 tonnes or 4.38 per cent from 137,000 tonnes a year ago.

On the other hand, Africa’s average daily output in March 2023 recorded a fall month-on-month from 4,400 tonnes to 4,200 tonnes. On an annual basis, the daily out in March also dropped from 4,400 tonnes.

The world’s primary aluminium production in March 2023 was 5.772 million tonnes, bringing the total output in Q1 2023 to 16.895 million tonnes. On a year-on-year basis, the quarterly production registered a decline of 2.23 per cent from 16.527 million tonnes during 1Q2022.