According to SMM data, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in April 2025 (30 days) decreased by 6.17 per cent M-o-M but increased by 6.31 per cent Y-o-Y. As of the end of April, China's existing capacity of metallurgical-grade alumina was around 109.22 million tonnes, with the actual operating capacity decreasing by 3.22 per cent M-o-M and the operating rate at 78.76 per cent.
The operating capacity of domestic alumina plants varied in April. On one hand, the commissioning and ramp-up of some new capacities led to an increase in operating capacity; on the other hand, under the pressure of losses, maintenance and production cuts at alumina enterprises occurred in a concentrated manner, causing a decline in operating capacity. Overall, the national operating capacity of metallurgical alumina in April decreased by 2.87 million tonnes M-o-M.
By province
In April, the operating rate of alumina in Shanxi decreased by 6.5 percentage points M-o-M; that in Henan decreased by 3.77 percentage points M-o-M; and that in Shandong decreased by 0.7 percentage points M-o-M. This was mainly due to production cuts initiated by some enterprises in March, with the impact further reflected in April. Additionally, some new alumina enterprises underwent production cuts or maintenance in April, leading to a decline in operating rates.
In April, the operating rate of alumina in Guangxi decreased by 3.61 percentage points M-o-M. Although new capacities were commissioned and ramped up in Guangxi in April, there were also production cuts or maintenance at alumina enterprises, coupled with an increase in existing capacity diluting the operating rate. As a result, the operating rate of alumina in Guangxi decreased M-o-M in April, while the operating capacity increased by 310,000 tonnes M-o-M.
May Forecast: As of now, some alumina plants have reported maintenance plans for May, which are expected to lead to a phased decline in alumina production in some regions. Additionally, new capacities are expected to be commissioned and maintenance capacities resumed in May, which could bring about an increase in operating capacity. Overall, the domestic operating capacity of metallurgical alumina in May may rebound slightly, with the domestic operating capacity of metallurgical-grade alumina expected to be 86.96 million tonnes per year.
Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.
Responses
