Prebaked anode price in East China market strengthens on snug supply and strong demand

Prebaked anode price in East China market edged higher by 2.09 per cent as supply remained tight and demand grew from aluminium smelters restocking in advance. As on Thursday, June 22, prebaked anode price ranged at RMB 3,730-4,080 per tonne; the average price stood at RMB 3,905 per tonne, up by 80 RMB from its previous price of RMB 3,825 per tonne on June 21.

The average prices of prebaked anode in northwest, southwest, and central China markets remain unchanged at RMB 3,900 per tonne, RMB 3,500 per tonne, and RMB 3,550 per tonne respectively.

BAIINFO China in their latest aluminium weekly report stated that prebaked anode prices have been trending higher due to strong demand in the market and snug supply.  It said, “Three factors were behind the tight availability. First was the highlighted environmental protection concern. Also, aluminium smelters started to restock in advance for their newly operated capacity, boosting demand for prebaked anode. Lastly, due to policy restriction of 50% production cut for carbon plants in “2+26” cities in heat supply season.”

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Coming to other key primary aluminium raw materials, besides coke, aluminium fluoride prices in China remain static at RMB 9,000-9,200 per tonne, and Cryolite too remains unchanged at RMB 6,000-6,200 per tonne as on June 22.  

BAIINFO forecasts that most prebaked anode producers in China will gradually restart production in August leading to additional monthly output at 50,000 tonnes above. Then the current supply shortage scenario will ease capping price rise accordingly.

“However, on balance, market would still stay in tight supply condition. Hence later prices are quite likely to keep ramping up by USD7/T above,” the report stated.