China spot alumina prices remained under pressure on December 16, while the alumina derivatives market rebounded overnight after edging lower during the daytime trading session.
Image for reference only (source: https://middleeastmetals.ir/)
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The Mysteel-assessed national average for smelter-grade alumina price (spot) with a purity exceeding 98.6 per cent fell further by RMB 5 per tonne (USD 0.7 per tonne) from Monday to settle at RMB 2,770 per tonne, including the 13 per cent VAT on Tuesday, returning to the price level last seen on November 28, 2022.
Regionally, the assessed price for the same grade of alumina in Shanxi province declined by RMB 10 per tonne on day to RMB 2,750 per tonne, while prices in Shandong and Henan provinces and in the Guangxi autonomous region dipped by RMB 5 per tonne from Monday to average between RMB 2,670 per tonne and RMB 2,825 per tonne. By contrast, the price in Guizhou province remained flat at RMB 2,850 per tonne.
The same day, major alumina futures prices regained some ground, with the most-traded alumina contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange for January 2026 delivery rising by 0.75 per cent to close Tuesday's nighttime trading session at RMB 2,553 per tonne by 1 a.m. Wednesday, rebounding from a 0.2 per cent daytime drop.
On the supply side, although some alumina producers have recently adjusted output to accommodate maintenance stoppages, the nationwide run-rate remains high. On Monday, an alumina refinery in Jiaozuo, Henan province, began calciner maintenance in response to a heavy air pollution warning issued by the local government, with the duration of the stoppage unclear.
On the demand side, primary aluminium smelters generally showed limited buying interest yesterday. Holding ample raw material inventories, many smelters in Northwest China were reluctant to restock, having already secured sufficient material. Meanwhile, smelters in southern regions only purchased at lower price levels.
Reflecting the tepid purchasing demand, spot market trading activity remained subdued on Tuesday, with Mysteel not hearing of any concluded deals.
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Note: This article has been issued by MYSTEEL and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.
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