Recent data released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics provides a detailed look at the production dynamics across the nation’s aluminum supply chain for October 2025 and the cumulative period from January to October. The figures reveal a complex picture of growth in upstream and primary processing segments, contrasted with a contraction in finished aluminum product manufacturing.
In October, the output of alumina, the essential precursor for aluminum production, reached 7.865 million metric tons. This represents a solid year-on-year increase of 5.8%. For the first ten months of the year, cumulative alumina production totaled 76.344 million metric tons, marking a robust 8.0% growth compared to the same period in 2024. This sustained high output indicates strong feedstock availability for primary aluminum smelting.
The primary aluminum sector itself, referring to electrolytic aluminum production, saw a more modest expansion. October’s output was recorded at 3.798 million metric tons, a slight increase of 0.4% over the previous year. The year-to-date production stands at 37.753 million metric tons, reflecting a stable cumulative growth of 2.0%. This marginal growth suggests the sector is operating near capacity, potentially influenced by power policies and production caps.
A notable highlight is the significant growth in the aluminum alloy segment. Production surged to 1.682 million tons in October, a substantial 17.2% year-on-year jump. The cumulative output for the January-October period reached 15.760 million tons, up 15.7% year-on-year. This robust performance underscores strong downstream demand for value-added primary products, particularly from the automotive and consumer durables sectors.
Conversely, the output of processed aluminum products, categorized as aluminum材, experienced a decline. October production fell by 3.2% year-on-year to 5.694 million tons. The cumulative output for the first ten months also saw a slight contraction of 0.4%, totaling 55.243 million tons. This dip could signal a slowdown in demand from key end-use markets like construction or a period of inventory adjustment among fabricators.
Industry Implications
The data points to a bifurcated market. Strong alumina and alloy production indicates healthy activity in the upstream and intermediate product stages. However, the contraction in finished aluminum products output warrants attention, potentially reflecting broader economic headwinds affecting final demand. For global buyers and industry participants, this underscores the importance of monitoring specific segments of the supply chain rather than the industry as a monolithic entity.
For companies specializing in aluminum plate, rod, tube, and precision machining, these trends highlight a competitive landscape. The robust alloy production suggests strong raw material availability for further processing. The focus for fabricators is likely shifting towards high-value, precision-engineered components to differentiate in a market where bulk finished product output is softening. This environment rewards technical expertise and the ability to deliver specialized, high-performance aluminum solutions.
Post time: Dec-01-2025