The average profit of the domestic alumina industry turned positive in May
June 14, 2025
According to the calculation of Yuefeng Aluminum, the weighted average complete cost of domestic alumina (including tax) in May 2025 was 3,037 yuan per ton, a decrease of 90 yuan per ton or 2.9% compared with the previous month, and a decrease of 187 yuan per ton or 6.6% compared with the same period last year. During the same period, the spot price center of alumina rose to 3,073 yuan per ton, increasing by 110 yuan or 5.0% compared with the previous period. The average profit of the alumina industry turned from negative to positive, with an average profit of 36 yuan per ton for the month. In May, the domestic alumina operating capacity was 87.1 million tons per year, with an operating rate of 79.8%, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points compared with the previous month.
From the perspective of raw material prices, the price of bauxite slightly declined in May, while the prices of energy and caustic soda continued to fall. The overall production cost of alumina showed a downward trend. The price of imported bauxite first dropped and then rose due to the rerevoked mining rights of some mining enterprises by the Guinean government. However, the monthly average price decreased by 17 yuan per ton compared with the previous month, and the cost of producing alumina ore decreased by 43 yuan per ton. Alkali: Despite an increase in domestic liquid caustic soda production capacity that has been shut down for maintenance, the purchase price of 32% liquid caustic soda in Shandong has been raised by 35 yuan per ton twice in total. However, the monthly average price has decreased compared to April, and the cost of producing caustic soda from alumina has dropped by 9 yuan per ton. Coal: The domestic price of thermal coal shows a trend of first decline and then rise. The monthly average price has dropped significantly compared with April, and the energy cost of alumina production has decreased by 26 yuan per ton.
Based on the changes in the price trends of raw materials mentioned above, it is expected that the cost of alumina in June will remain around 3,000 yuan per ton.
