March global primary aluminum output slips 1.55% on year to 5.69 million mt: IAI

Global primary aluminum production fell slightly in March to an estimated 5.693 million mt, down 1.55% from March 2021, International Aluminium Institute reported April 20.

The average daily production rate was 183,600 mt, which was 0.44% higher than in February, it said.

The fall on year was seen due mainly to lower output in China, which is curbing coal-powered primary aluminum production for environmental reasons. Production in some other countries, including in Europe, has been impacted by rising energy costs.

As usual, China produced the lion's share. Estimated Chinese production was 3.293 million mt in March, IAI said, down from 3.364 million mt a year previously.

Asia ex-China produced 390,000 mt, up from 378,000 mt a year ago; Gulf Cooperation Council nations 520,000 mt (496,000 mt); North America 325,000 mt (338,000 mt); Russia and Eastern Europe 350,000 mt (353,000 mt); Western and Central Europe 253,000 mt (288,000 mt); Africa 136,000 mt (131,000 mt); Oceania 159,000 mt (162 mt) and South America 95,000 mt (98,000 mt), according to IAI.