China alumina output hits new high in May

China’s metallurgical-grade alumina output hit 4.76 million tonnes in May, up 12.9% from a year ago, SMM statistics showed.

As of mid-June, new aluminum capacity in China had exceeded 2 million-tpy, while new alumina capacity was less than 3 million-tpy, boosting demand for alumina, according to SMM’s survey.

High operating rate in Guangxi and Guizhou left local alumina supply plentiful. Alumina output in Shanxi and Henan held largely stable.

It was speculated that 8% duty on Australian alumina export to China will be cancelled after the signing of Sino-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) June 17. But SMM sees little impact on China’s alumina imports and prices from the tariff removal.

One large alumina refinery and bauxite producer in Australia confirmed to SMM that China imported bauxite and alumina from Australia duty-free even before the FTA was signed. As such, the FTA will have little impact on China's alumina imports and prices.

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