The latest reports from Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) suggest that aluminium smelters in Yunnan province will restart nearly half of idled capacity. Aluminium smelters are expected to restart about 520kt of idle capacity in the near term. It is estimated that roughly 1.17mt of aluminium capacity has been idled since November due to hydropower shortages during the dry season.¹⁾

Dry weather in China’s Yunnan province has affected aluminium producers, forcing them to reduce production levels. The Yunnan province has been dealing with power restrictions since last November, with aluminium gradually reducing output levels. It is estimated that roughly 400kt of local aluminium production was cut by the end of February. The rainfall is expected to remain low in the region for the next two months, which might impact the pace of planned production resumption for aluminium smelters.²⁾