China's August Aluminium Output Hits Record Near 4 Million Tonnes, Up 4.7%
China's aluminium production rose 4.7% year on year in August 2026 to nearly 4 million tonnes, a record high, according to National Bureau of Statistics data released on September 15. Output for 2026 to date has exceeded 31 million tonnes, against an official annual capacity cap of about 45 million tonnes. The Iran war disrupted roughly 9% of global aluminium supply, lifting export margins and prompting Chinese smelters to raise production.
China's aluminium output rose 4.7% year on year in August 2026 to nearly 4 million tonnes, a record high, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on September 15 showed. Since the start of 2026, China's aluminium production has exceeded 31 million tonnes, against an official annual capacity cap of about 45 million tonnes.
The Iran war disrupted roughly 9% of global aluminium supply, raising export margins and prompting Chinese smelters to step up production. The Chinese government introduced the annual capacity cap in 2017 to curb structural overcapacity, carbon emissions and the electricity demand of the power-intensive aluminium sector.
Why this event matters
The event has a measured impact on 1 industry. The strongest current signal is positive for Base Metals, with intensity 75/100 and 80% confidence over a short term horizon.
Impact figures are analytical estimates that combine direction, intensity, confidence and event importance. They are not investment advice.