In August 2026, domestic electrolytic aluminum capacity in China remained at a high operating level. As of the end of August, the commissioned capacity stood at 45.25 million tons per annum (Mt/a), while the operating capacity reached 44.97 Mt/a, representing a month-on-month increase of 0.10 Mt/a. The overall commissioned capacity scale remained stable, and operating capacity saw steady growth.
As of the end of August, the green and low-carbon energy efficiency upgrading project for electrolytic aluminum of Xinjiang Tianshan Aluminum had reached full production, lifting its electrolytic aluminum capacity to 1.40 Mt/a with continuous output release. The 0.30 Mt/a capacity of Liaoning Xiangyu Aluminum made a full resumption of production, contributing a notable increment to the annual output.
After adjustment, August output was recorded at 3.874 million tons. September output is projected at 3.753 million tons, a year-on-year rise of 2.9%, with a daily average output of approximately 0.1251 million tons.
Figure 1 Annualized Output of Electrolytic Aluminum in China
Source: Antaike
In terms of overseas production, global primary aluminum output picked up month-on-month in August, driven by the gradual production resumption of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and continuous capacity ramp-up of new overseas projects. Although the global supply gap narrowed marginally, the supply shortage has not been resolved. The recovery pace of other impaired capacities in the Middle East remains uncertain. Overall, the tightest phase of global supply has passed, and capacity restoration is on a clear track. Nevertheless, production resumption proceeds at a slow pace, and it will take a long time to fully return to pre-conflict levels.
On August 26, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) officially released its resumption progress: 315 out of 1,262 electrolytic cells had been restarted, accounting for 25% of the total. Full production resumption is expected in Q1 2027. On August 28, Slovalco aluminum plant in Slovakia announced the resumption of primary aluminum production. Under the plan, in Phase 1, 100 out of the plant's 226 electrolytic cells are scheduled to be put into operation by the end of February 2027, restoring a capacity of about 0.075 Mt/a (original capacity: 0.175 Mt/a). At the end of August, the Mt Holly aluminum plant of Century Aluminum continued ramping up its output.
According to International Aluminium Institute (IAI) data, overseas electrolytic aluminum output in July 2026 was 2.294 million tons, down 8.3% year-on-year. The daily average output stood at 0.074 million tons, up 0.4% month-on-month.
Figure 2 Average Daily Overseas Electrolytic Aluminum Output (IAI)
Source: International Aluminium Institute (IAI)