Summary of Aluminum Industry Research Industry Overview - The report focuses on the aluminum industry in China, specifically tracking high-frequency demand trends and inventory levels from September 4th to 10th, 2025. Market expectations for demand recovery are described as cautious [1] Key Production Data - Total aluminum production in China was 851,000 tons (kt), remaining flat week-over-week (WoW) but increasing by 2% year-over-year (YoY) [2] - Aluminum billet production was 361kt, also flat WoW, with a 6% increase YoY [2] - Year-to-date (YTD) aluminum production reached 31.1 million tons (mnt), up 2.9% YoY, while aluminum billet production totaled 12.6mnt, up 5.7% YoY [2] Inventory Insights - As of September 11, 2025, total aluminum ingot and billet inventory was 914kt, down 1% WoW and 5% YoY [3] - Social inventory was 759kt, down 1% WoW and 11% YoY, while producers' inventory was 155kt, down 2% WoW but up 43% YoY [3] - For aluminum ingots, total inventory was 686kt, down 1% WoW and 11% YoY, while aluminum billets had an inventory of 228kt, down 2% WoW but up 21% YoY [3] Apparent Consumption Trends - Overall aluminum apparent consumption was 895kt during the week, up 3% WoW but down 1% YoY [4] - Apparent consumption of aluminum ingots was 911kt, up 2% WoW but down 2% YoY, while aluminum billets saw consumption of 345kt, up 3% WoW and up 8% YoY [4] - YTD apparent consumption reached 32.1mnt, up 4.6% YoY, with aluminum ingots and billets showing increases of 4.1% and 7.3% YoY, respectively [4] Key Takeaways - The report emphasizes that aluminum ingot and billet inventory data is more representative for calculating overall aluminum demand [5] - Total aluminum inventory decreased WoW, with levels lower than the same period in 2021-22 and 2024, but higher than in 2023 on a lunar calendar basis [5] - Apparent consumption levels were higher than the same period in 2022-24 on a lunar calendar [7] Conclusion - The aluminum industry in China is experiencing cautious demand recovery, with production and consumption showing modest growth. Inventory levels are fluctuating, indicating a complex market environment that requires close monitoring for potential investment opportunities and risks.

Summary of Aluminum Inventory and Consumption in China (August 2025) Industry Overview - The report focuses on the aluminum industry in China, specifically tracking high-frequency demand trends and inventory levels during the week of August 14-20, 2025 [1] Key Points Production Data - Total aluminum production in China was 848,000 tons (kt), remaining flat week-over-week (WoW) but increasing by 2% year-over-year (YoY) [2] - Aluminum billet production reached 348 kt, showing a 1% increase WoW and a 3% increase YoY [2] - Year-to-date (YTD) aluminum production for 2025 was 28.6 million tons (mnt), up 2.9% YoY, while aluminum billet production was 11.5 mnt, up 5.8% YoY [2] Inventory Levels - Total aluminum ingot and billet inventory was 883 kt as of August 21, 2025, a decrease of 2% WoW and 15% YoY [3] - Breakdown of inventory: - Social inventory: 717 kt, down 1% WoW and 22% YoY - Producers' inventory: 167 kt, down 5% WoW but up 30% YoY [3] - Specific inventory levels: - Aluminum ingot inventory: 655 kt, flat WoW and down 23% YoY - Aluminum billet inventory: 228 kt, down 7% WoW but up 20% YoY [3] Apparent Consumption - Overall aluminum apparent consumption was 898 kt during the week, an increase of 3% WoW and 2% YoY [4] - Breakdown of apparent consumption: - Aluminum ingot: 897 kt, up 2% WoW and 1% YoY - Aluminum billet: 349 kt, up 5% WoW and 4% YoY [4] - YTD apparent consumption for 2025 was 29.4 mnt, reflecting a 4.8% increase YoY [4] Market Insights - The report suggests that the aluminum ingot and billet inventory data is more representative for calculating overall aluminum demand, as it encompasses a broader range of inventory types [5] - The total aluminum inventory decreased WoW and was lower than the same period in 2021-2022 and 2024, but higher than in 2023 on a lunar calendar basis [5] - Apparent consumption levels were higher than the same period in 2022-2024 on a lunar calendar [7] Additional Insights - The aluminum sector is currently ranked highest in demand compared to other materials such as steel, copper, and thermal coal, indicating a strong market position [1] - The cautious market expectation regarding demand recovery is noted, suggesting potential volatility in future demand trends [1] This summary encapsulates the key findings from the report on aluminum inventory and consumption in China, highlighting production, inventory levels, apparent consumption, and market insights.