Global Alumina Production Declines 3.4% in November Amid Regional Downturns
Global alumina production dropped by 3.4% month-on-month to 12.21 million tonnes in November, according to data from the International Aluminium Institute. Despite the monthly decline, alumina output was still 1.9% higher compared to 11.98 million tonnes produced in November 2023.
Average daily global alumina production decreased to 407,000 tonnes in November, down from a revised 407,600 tonnes in October. The dip reflects reduced output across multiple regions.
China, the world's largest alumina producer, saw a 3.2% monthly decline in production to 7.15 million tonnes in November. However, year-on-year production rose by 4.7%, with China contributing over 58% of global alumina output.
In Oceania, alumina production edged down to 1.47 million tonnes from 1.48 million tonnes in October. Africa and Asia, excluding China, also recorded a decline, with output falling to 1.16 million tonnes from 1.23 million tonnes. European production slipped by 1.6% to 611,000 tonnes, while South American output saw a sharper 5.8% drop to 1 million tonnes.
Global primary aluminum production also mirrored this downtrend, falling 3.1% month-on-month in November to 6.04 million tonnes.
Market reactions reflected these production shifts. On the Multi Commodity Exchange of India at the end of December, the most-active January aluminum contract edged up 0.2% to INR 241.80 per kilogram. Meanwhile, the three-month aluminum contract on the London Metal Exchange slipped 0.9% to $2,543.5 per tonne.
