NBS: China's alumina output rises by 8% YoY to record high in Nov

Over this year's first 11 months, China produced 84.66 million tonnes of all types of alumina, up 8.4% from the January-November period in 2024, the NBS data showed.

The monthly increase reflected a mild uptick alongside generally stable production across most of the country's alumina production areas. Most domestic alumina refiners maintained steady operations in November despite temporary output reductions, as some were fully committed to long-term supply contracts throughout the year, market watchers said.

In addition, several primary aluminum smelters ordered more floating volumes under their long-term alumina procurement contracts late last month in preparation for winter restocking.

Among China's five major alumina-producing hubs, four recorded on-month rises in November. Southwest China's Guizhou province posted the sharpest jump, with output surging by 52.7% from October. The climb was mainly driven by stronger alumina demand from a primary aluminum smelter that electrified 122 electrolytic cells last month with a combined 160,000 tonnes/year of primary aluminum capacity, as part of a technology upgrade project.

In contrast, alumina production in Central China's Henan province fell by 3.7% on month in November, as local refiners cut output to curb emissions following two emergency air pollution alerts issued by the local government in early- and mid-November.

 Table: China's Nov alumina output by region