China’s pandemic situation causes operating rates of aluminium producers fall by 64.5%

As per the reports from SMM, the average operating rate of major aluminium processing companies fell 3.3 percent to 64.5 percent last week (April 18 to April 22). Except for a modest gain in the aluminium wire and cable sector and constant operating rates in the aluminium plate, sheet, and strip sector, all other sectors' operating rates have decreased to varying degrees.

The present epidemic continues to place a strain on downstream production. The market must continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic on corporate transportation in various locations. If the pandemic subsides, downstream consumption is projected to revive swiftly, and business output will increase dramatically.

From April 18 to April 22, the alloy and aluminium extrusion industries' operating rates dropped the highest. The pandemic situation in east China, the key consumer area, has remained unchanged, forcing downstream businesses to curtail output. Enterprise orders have fallen, but finished product inventories have climbed.

The aluminium foil and secondary alloy industries reported a small drop in operating rates. The epidemic continued to wreak havoc on transportation, making it impossible for businesses to get raw materials and convey completed goods. Insufficient orders and a scarcity of raw materials caused several companies to cut back on output.