China’s alumina production in June'21 reflects a decline of 4.7%; Output stands at 6.12 million tonnes

According to the Shanghai Metals Market data, China’s alumina production in June 2021 stood at 6.12 million tonnes, reflecting a downfall of 4.67 per cent from 6.42 million tonnes in the previous month. The output included 5.91 million tonnes of metallurgical grade alumina, which was 4.84 per cent down from 6.21 million tonnes produced in May.

The daily average output of metallurgical grade alumina was 196,800 tonnes as it declined 1.73 per cent month-on-month but increased 7.38 per cent over the year. China’s total metallurgical grade alumina production during January-June came in at 35.33 million tonnes, up 8.25 per cent year-on-year.

The decrease in China’s alumina output in June 2021 could be attributed to the shortage of ore in Henan and Shanxi and the general rise in coal prices across the country, resulting in operating capacity cut in the northern regions. Otherwise, the capacity in the southwest regions continued to grow on the month, with the output of Guangzhou Aluminium and Chongzuo Longzhou going up.

China’s net alumina imports in June are estimated to be around 300,000 tonnes, while alumina surplus about 12,000 tonnes.

As of early July, China’s metallurgical grade alumina production capacity was 71.67 million tonnes a year, with the existing capacity increasing by 88.60 million tonnes a year. The output in the entire month of July is expected to come in at 6.09 million tonnes, with the average daily output slightly high.