SMM alumina data analysis for September 2013

China’s alumina output rose in September as new capacity came on stream, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) has learned.

China produced 3.95 million mt of alumina in September, an increase of 33.55% from a year ago and up 100,000 mt from August levels. YTD output through September totaled 33.17 million mt, also up 15.47% YoY, according to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA).

Shanxi Xinfa Chemical Co. brought an additional 1.6 million mt/yr in alumina capacity online. Meanwhile, other alumina producers increased output to meet growing demand from new aluminum capacity, contributing to the growth in alumina output.

China’s alumina imports during September surged from a month earlier on falling prices and growing demand of imported alumina.

China’s alumina imports during September totaled 450,700 mt, down 5.97% YoY, but up nearly 310,000 mt MoM.

Two factors were behind the month-on-month increase in China’s alumina imports. First, prices for imported alumina fell. Prices for imported alumina at Lianyungang port fell RMB 70/mt to RMB 2,530/mt (including tax) at one point, flat with prices in Shandong. Second, aluminum smelters began to build raw material stocks in preparation for the commissioning of new capacity, boosting demand for imported alumina.

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