China, world’s largest producer and consumer of base metals, produced 3.42 million tonnes (mnt) of aluminium in May 2022, registering a marginal increase of 1.88% m-o-m from 3.36 mnt in April 2022.
Production saw a slight uptick following ease in power consumption curbs and Covid-19-induced lockdowns.
On a yearly basis, production volume was 3.20% higher as compared to 3.32 mnt in May 2021. Energy-intensive aluminium production in some Chinese regions was cut last year due to government efforts to curb power consumption to meet climate goals and tackle electricity shortages.
In January-May 2022, the country’s production was 16.4 mnt, largely stable compared to the same period last year, as per data maintained by SteelMint.
China auto sales up in May
The sales of passenger cars in China increased by 57.6% m-o-m in May to 186.2 million units, according to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). Commercial vehicles sales were up by 10.4% m-o-m to 23.9 million units in May.
Auto sales decreased by 12.2% to 955.5 million units in January-May 2022. Commercial vehicle sales fell by 42% to 142.1 million units in the first five months of this year.
In April, the supply chain of Chinese auto industry was impacted by Covid-induced disruptions with some automakers halting production and delaying deliveries. However, with partially easing lockdowns in the country, the sales showed a recovery in May.
Chinese government had released a series of measures to promote sales of automobiles recently. Besides, many automakers have been trying to resume their normal operations and launched several new models to revive the market, CAAM said, adding that the domestic auto industry has been recovering and auto sales are expected to grow steadily.
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