China owns the largest stake in the world aluminium production. The country generated 18 million tonnes in 2011, a rise by 1.8 million tonnes, or 11.1 percent, year on year.
The Chinese market for aluminium is not well-balanced as the demand surpasses availability there.
For instance, local buyers consumed 20.6 million tonnes in 2011. The figure was approximately 1.9 million tonnes, or 10.4 percent, higher than in 2010.
Chinese traders are forced to export certain volumes of the product annually in order to meet their clients’ demand.
Unwrought aluminium import volumes were slightly above 365,000 tonnes in 2010 in the country. However, the amount was well below the one a year earlier when it reached 1.74 million tonnes.
Aluminum waste and scrap imports amounted to 2.9 million tonnes in 2010, up by 300,000 tonnes, or 11.5 percent, year on year.
China-based aluminium companies also export the material. Their total unwrought aluminium exports were estimated at around 754,000 tonnes in 2010. The export volumes were almost two times lower in 2009.
Country’s aluminum waste and scrap exports were about 1.1 million tonnes in 2010, in comparison with 890,000 tonnes in the preceding year.
Export and import dynamics of Unwrought aluminum in China in 2005-2010, tons
Russia, Canada and the USA are other prominent aluminium producers. The countries made 10.7 million tonnes in 2011. The amount was similar to the one in 2010.
The combined aluminium output of global companies was assessed at 53.5 million tonnes in 2011, opposing to 56 million tonnes a year earlier.
Structure of aluminium production, by country, 2011
The figure is expected to be only 48.2 million tonnes in 2012. However, the aluminium production is set to enhance considerably in the next few years. It will possibly increase by above 6.8 percent per year to 63.3 million tonnes in 2016.
China is forecast to remain the key manufacturer.
More information on the Aluminium market can be found in the report Aluminium Market Review.
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