World primary aluminium production in Jan’25 represents an average of 7-3% rise in major producing regions

The first month of 2025 began with a 2.73 per cent Y-o-Y rise in primary aluminium production but experienced a mild monthly dip, as shown by the International Aluminium Institute data.  The annual growth was primarily backed by almost all the major global primary aluminium-producing regions, barring North America and Oceania. However, monthly output was affected by declines of 1,000 tonnes each in Africa and North America.

Image source: Freepik

According to IAI, the world's primary aluminium production in January 2025 totalled 6.252 million tonnes versus 6.254 million tonnes in December 2024 and 6.086 million tonnes in January 2024. The daily average output was 201,700 tonnes, representing no change from the previous month but a growth of 2.75 per cent Y-o-Y from 196,300 tonnes.

Insights into region-specific production

A closer look at primary aluminium output across global regions reveals that the 2.73 per cent annual increase represents an average, with individual regions recording growth of 3 per cent or more. For instance, China, the world's largest primary aluminium producer, saw its output rise by 3.74 per cent year-on-year, increasing from 3.605 million tonnes to 3.740 million tonnes. Also, on a monthly basis, China's production recorded an uptick, although very marginal, from 3.734 million tonnes. Both annual and monthly figures indicate a continued positive trend, consistent with last year when total output reached 43 million tonnes—approaching the country's capacity cap of 45 million tonnes.