China’s alumina production in May'21 grows for the third consecutive month to 6.42 million tonnes: SMM

Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) found that China’s alumina production rose for the third consecutive month in May 2021. According to the data, China produced 6.42 million tonnes of alumina in May, which reflected an increase of 5.07 per cent from 6.11 million tonnes in April. Of 6.42 million tonnes, metallurgical grade alumina production accounted for 6.21 million tonnes in May, up 5.25 per cent from 5.9 million tonnes in the previous month.

The daily average output of metallurgical grade alumina was 200,300 tonnes as it grew 1.80 per cent over the month and 11.26 per cent on the year.

China’s total metallurgical grade alumina production during the first five months of 2021 (January-May) amounted to 29.43 per cent, indicating a year-on-year increase of 8.42 per cent. The uptrend in China’s alumina output could be attributed to the resumption of those refineries in Henan which were affected by the environmental protection control. Besides this, the increasing capacity of Jiaokou Xinfa and other companies in Shanxi contributed to the growth.

The net imports of alumina in China are estimated at around 250,000 tonnes, while alumina surplus about 85,000 tonnes in May.

As of early June, China’s metallurgical grade alumina production capacity stood at 73.54 million tonnes a year. SMM projects the metallurgical grade alumina output in June (30 days) will be higher on the month around 3.07 million tonnes, with an average daily output of 202,400 tonnes.

Net alumina imports are expected to be around 280,000 tonnes and alumina surplus about 152,000 tonnes in June.