♦Chinese economic growth slows; industry oversupply presents challenges
China lowered its annual GDP growth target, prioritizing “quality” over “speed”. The Chinese government made clear the decisive role of “market” in resources allocation. Given the oversupply in the industry, Chinese aluminum smelting plants face challenges.
♦China continues to search for new bauxite resources and Malaysia becomes new choice
Indonesia’s bauxite export ban remains in force and imported bauxite stocks in China continue to decline. Despite the ramping up of the Malaysian bauxite supply, it is incapable of meeting the enormous demand from China. The important task of searching for new bauxite resources still lies ahead for China.
♦Chinese demand for imported alumina declines due to lower Chinese origin alumina prices
In Q1 2015, Chinese alumina prices kept going down, while imported alumina suppliers raised offers. Chinese consumers preferred to Chinese origin alumina at lower prices. The demand for imported alumina becomes weak.
♦Oversupply of Chinese aluminum fluoride spells fierce competition for export market
Chinese aluminum fluoride supply continues to increase, weighing heavily on the market, and producers are suffering losses. Increasingly producers and traders are focusing on the export market, resulting in fierce competition.
Rising petroleum coke prices are pushing up the production costs of carbon anode plants in China. However, with aluminum smelters continually lowering their carbon anode purchasing prices, carbon anode producers are only able to generate meager profits.
