Africa’s Primary Aluminium Production Recovers in October Amidst Global Gains

According to data from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), Africa's primary aluminium production saw a modest recovery in October 2024, increasing by 3,000 tonnes or 2.24% month-on-month (M-o-M). The production volume for October stood at 137,000 tonnes, up from 134,000 tonnes in September. Despite the gains, there was an average daily output shortfall of 100 tonnes during the month.

October's output marked the second-highest volume of primary aluminium production for the continent this year, only slightly behind the 138,000 tonnes produced in August. However, this monthly gain did not change Africa's share in global aluminium production, which remained steady at 2.2% for both September and October.

Globally, primary aluminium production reached 6.221 million tonnes in October, representing a 3.56% increase from the 6.007 million tonnes produced in September. This rise was primarily driven by increased production across major producing regions.

From January to October 2024, Africa's total aluminium production amounted to 1.307 million tonnes, reflecting a 1.66% decline from the 1.329 million tonnes produced during the corresponding period of the previous year. The drop in output was largely due to weaker production levels during the first four months of the year, with monthly volumes ranging between 122,000 tonnes and 128,000 tonnes.