Year-on-year, the world’s metallurgical-grade alumina production rose each month through the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating an increase of 5.9 per cent Y-o-Y from 33.552 million tonnes. In January, output rose 8 per cent over the year from 11.379 million tonnes to 12.290 million tonnes, followed by a 3.96 per cent increase in February from 10.664 million tonnes to 11.086 million tonnes. In March, the production continued to climb up by 5.67 per cent Y-o-Y from 11.509 million tonnes to 12.162 million tonnes, showed IAI.
However, according to monthly calculations, the world’s metallurgical-grade alumina production in March recorded a decline of 1.04 per cent compared to January’s output of 12.290 million tonnes.
China – the major driver of world alumina production growth
The year-on-year increase in global alumina production in March 2025 was primarily driven by China, recording a surge of 12 per cent from 6.641 million tonnes to 7.437 million tonnes. By the end of March 2025, China’s metallurgical-grade alumina production capacity reached 105.02 million tonnes, according to SMM. Throughout the quarter, previously commissioned capacities in Shandong and Guangxi achieved output, while some producers opted for maintenance due to a sharp decline in alumina prices. Nonetheless, the output remained steady for the entire period from January to March 2025.
