Summary of Aluminum Inventory and Consumption in China (14 Aug 2025) Industry Overview - The report focuses on the aluminum industry in China, analyzing high-frequency demand trends and inventory levels during the week of 7th to 13th August 2025 [1][2]. 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 343 kt, showing a 1% increase WoW and a 2% increase YoY [2]. - Year-to-date (YTD) aluminum production for the calendar year was 27.7 million tons (mnt), up 3.0% YoY, while aluminum billet production was 11.2 mnt, up 5.9% YoY [2]. Inventory Levels - Total aluminum ingot and billet inventory was 899 kt as of 14th August, reflecting a 1% increase WoW but a 17% decrease YoY [3]. - Breakdown of inventory: - Social inventory: 723 kt (+3% WoW, -23% YoY) - Producers' inventory: 176 kt (-5% WoW, +17% YoY) [3]. - Specific inventory levels: - Aluminum ingot inventory: 653 kt (+3% WoW, -26% YoY) - Aluminum billet inventory: 246 kt (-3% WoW, +17% YoY) [3]. Apparent Consumption - Overall aluminum apparent consumption was 873 kt during the week, flat WoW and YoY [4]. - Breakdown of apparent consumption: - Aluminum ingot: 883 kt (flat WoW, +1% YoY) - Aluminum billet: 334 kt (flat WoW, +1% YoY) [4]. - YTD apparent consumption for the calendar year was 28.5 mnt, up 4.9% YoY [4]. Market Sentiment and Trends - The aluminum inventory data is considered more representative for calculating overall demand as it includes various types of aluminum inventory [5]. - Total aluminum inventory increased WoW, with levels lower than the same period in 2021-22 and 2024, but higher than in 2023 on the lunar calendar [5]. - Apparent consumption levels were higher than the same period in 2022-23 but lower than in 2024 on the lunar calendar [8]. Additional Insights - The report indicates a cautious market expectation regarding demand recovery in the aluminum sector, with aluminum being prioritized over other materials such as steel and copper in the current market pecking order [1]. - The data is sourced from Mysteel, a consultancy specializing in market analysis [1][4]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the report on aluminum inventory and consumption trends in China as of mid-August 2025, highlighting production, inventory, and consumption metrics along with market sentiment.