NBS: China's primary aluminium output rises 2.7% YoY in March

On a per-day basis, national output averaged 124,194 tonnes last month, marking a 2.8 per cent increase from a year earlier, Mysteel Global's calculation based on the NBS data showed.

For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026"

The monthly production volume aligned with the findings of Mysteel's monthly survey, which showed that the 89 primary aluminium smelters under its regular tracking produced 3.845 million tonnes in March, up 3.1 per cent on year.

The increase in output was mainly driven by the commissioning of new primary aluminium projects in Inner Mongolia and Liaoning during the month. These projects utilised capacity quotas acquired from previously idled capacity or outdated facilities at other smelters, according to market analysts. Across the country, most smelters maintained steady operating rates, supported by improved profitability and rising aluminium prices. 

During March, domestic primary aluminium prices were underpinned by bullish sentiment, as market participants anticipated tighter global supply following production disruptions in the Middle East amid the escalating geopolitical tensions there since late February.

On March 31, Mysteel assessed the national average spot price for primary aluminium ingots with a minimum purity of 99.7 per cent at RMB 24,610 per tonne (USD 3,610.3 per tonne), up 5.1 per cent from a month earlier.

However, elevated prices weighed on procurement among users of the light metal. Despite March-April traditionally being peak consumption months for primary aluminium in China, end-users and intermediate processors remained cautious, limiting buying activity. This contributed to a notable build-up of inventories.

By the end of March, total retail stocks of primary aluminium being held in warehouses in 16 major cities monitored by Mysteel reached 1.4 million tonnes, rising by 18.9 per cent on month and surging by 73.3 per cent on year.  During this year's first three months, China produced 11.41 million tonnes of primary aluminium, up 3.1 per cent from the January-March period last year, the NBS data showed.

Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform

Note: Image for referential purposes only 

Note: This news is published under a content and exchange agreement with Mysteel