Energy crisis & geo-political conflict take a toll on European aluminium production; 2023 Y-T-D output reflects a 1.79% fall

Primary aluminium production in Russia & Eastern Europe during January-November 2023 amounted to 3.671 million tonnes, down by 1.79 per cent from 3.738 million tonnes a year earlier. The geo-political conflict between Ukraine and Russia and energy crisis took a toll on production in 2023, resulting in annual decline.

Production in Russian & Eastern Europe

In November 2023, primary aluminium output in Russia & Eastern Europe saw a plunge of 12,000 tonnes or 3.49 per cent to 332,000 tonnes. In October, the production was 344,000 tonnes, up by 5.2 per cent from 327,000 tonnes.

Primary aluminium production in Russia & Eastern Europe fluctuated throughout the year. It started the year at 344,000 tonnes but slipped by 3.49 per cent until November.

The daily average production in November was 11,100 tonnes, recording restraint despite the fall in monthly production.

Production in Western & Central Europe

Primary aluminium production in Western & Central Europe during January-November 2023 also recorded an annual fall of 7.42 per cent to 2.482 million tonnes, according to IAI. During the same period last year, the output stood at 2.681 million tonnes.

In November 2023, primary aluminium output in Western & Central Europe was 224,000 tonnes, down by 6,000 tonnes or 2.68 per cent from 230,000 tonnes a month earlier. Compared to the previous year, the production in the said month coincidentally came in at the same amount of 224,000 tonnes.

The daily average output in November 2023 was 7,500 tonnes, up by 100 tonnes despite the fall in monthly production.