China's H1 2025 Aluminum Output Overview

According to the latest data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on July 17, the country's primary aluminum output for the first half of 2025 reached 21.33 million tonnes. This figure marks a 3.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

This rise in production is a positive signal for the metal industry, indicating recovery and stability in the supply chain, especially from one of the world's largest aluminum production hubs.

Detailed Figures for June

In June 2025 alone, China produced 3.65 million tonnes of primary aluminum. This data shows strong growth on two fronts:

• A 4.3% increase year-on-year (YoY).
• A 1.1% increase month-on-month (MoM).

The average daily output for June was approximately 121,700 tonnes, indicating that smelters are operating at a high and stable capacity.

Primary Reason for Growth

The main driver behind this output growth was the resumption of operations at aluminum smelters in Yunnan province, a key aluminum production hub in China. Production was restored thanks to a significant improvement in the hydropower supply in the region.

Energy stability, particularly from hydropower, is crucial for the energy-intensive aluminum smelting industry. This not only boosts output but also secures the raw material supply for downstream manufacturing, which includes a wide range of aluminum applications.

Market Impact

The increase in China's primary aluminum production could help cool down global aluminum prices, which have been volatile recently. A more abundant supply will meet the growing demand from industries such as construction, automotive, and packaging. This is particularly important for the production of specialized aluminum alloys like aluminum 6061, which is widely used in engineering and manufacturing.

Source: Mysteel.net