COMMENTARY /Supply

摘要

World primary aluminium production rose strongly during 2006 and is running at an annual rate of about 36 million tonnes, slightly above the rate of consumption. In the most recent period smelter production has surged in China and smelters there are running at an annual rate of about 11 million tonnes. This results from continuing additions to capacity, despite government attempts to limit such investments, and a high utilisation of capacity, as smelters were able to take advantage of falling alumina prices late in 2006.