In July 2026, China's primary aluminum capacity remained at a high operating level. By the end of July, the constructed capacity stood at 45.17 million metric tons per annum (mtpa), while the operational capacity reached 44.87 million mtpa, representing a month‑on‑month increase of 200,000 mtpa. The overall constructed capacity stayed stable, and operational capacity saw steady growth.
By the end of July, all 264 electrolytic cells of the 350,000‑mtpa green‑power aluminum project at Zhahanaoer (Phase‑II of Zha Aluminum) had been put into full operation, achieving its full‑capacity production target. The energy‑efficiency upgrade project for green and low‑carbon primary aluminum at Tianshan Aluminum in Xinjiang has completed power‑on and cell startup, with the remaining units to be commissioned progressively. Upon completion of revamping, its primary aluminum capacity will rise to 1.40 million mtpa. The 300,000‑mtpa idled capacity of Liaoning Xiangyu Aluminum has resumed production. This marks the production restart of major previously‑shutdown domestic primary aluminum projects, which will contribute substantially to output for the current year. After adjustment, China's July primary aluminum output was 3.866 million metric tons. August output is projected at 3.867 million metric tons, a year‑on‑year increase of 2.7%, with an average daily output of approximately 124,700 metric tons.
Figure 1 Annualized Primary Aluminum Output of China
Source: Antaike
On the overseas front, after a brief détente, US‑Iran tensions flared up again in July, with expanding geopolitical conflicts and elevated shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz. Although some Middle‑Eastern aluminum smelters have commenced restart operations, capacity ramp‑up has been slow. New and restarted capacity in other overseas regions is being released at a moderate pace, leaving the global primary aluminum supply in a relatively tight balance.
On July 1, Hydro's Slovalco smelter reached an agreement with the Slovak government to restart its idled 75,000‑mtpa primary aluminum capacity, with full production expected in Q4 2026. On July 2, US‑based Magnitude 7 Metals announced plans to restart its primary aluminum smelter in Marston, Missouri. Its first production line, with a capacity of around 75,000 mtpa, is scheduled to come online before the end of 2026. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) reported production‑restoration progress at its Al Taweelah plant. As of July 2, 89 out of a total 1,262 electrolytic cells had been brought back into service. On July 10, the Dak Nong primary aluminum project in Vietnam poured its first batch of primary aluminum. Planned for a total capacity of 450,000 mtpa in three phases, Phase‑I (150,000 mtpa) will achieve full commissioning in August, and Phase‑III is scheduled for completion in February 2027.
According to International Aluminium Institute (IAI) statistics, overseas primary aluminum output in June 2026 was 2.268 million metric tons, down 6.4% year‑on‑year. Average daily output hit 76,000 metric tons, up 0.8% month‑on‑month.
Figure 2 IAI Overseas Average Daily Primary Aluminum Output
Source: International Aluminium Institute