The decline in output mainly reflected extended calciner suspensions in Hebei and Henan provinces triggered by ongoing air pollution alerts, as well as production adjustments in Shandong province, market sources said.
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In response to air pollution warnings initially scheduled to be lifted at the end of October, two alumina producers in Henan's Luoyang and Hebei's Tangshan each halted two calciners for 3-4 days during the prior week, as reported. When the two cities issued renewed smog alerts on November 3 and 4, the suspensions were extended through last week, further curbing output.
In addition, a refiner in Shandong began a three-week maintenance check on one calciner early last week due to mounting stocks, rising sales pressure and shrinking profit margins, according to market sources. The maintenance affected around 800,000 tonnes per year of capacity.
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