Europe's aluminium output rises 4.9% as alumina production drops 1.8% in H1 2026
2026-08-18 11:13:12 [Print]
Europe's aluminium sector recorded higher metal production in the first half of 2026, though the headline figures mask a more nuanced reality. Primary aluminium output increased by 4.9% year-on-year to reach 3.648 million tonnes, while metallurgical-grade alumina production contracted by 1.8% to 2.846 million tonnes.
The divergence is largely explained by first-quarter dynamics. Alumina refining faced headwinds from energy supply disruptions and logistical bottlenecks linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, whereas aluminium smelting benefited from the restart of idle capacity. By the second quarter, however, alumina output began to show signs of recovery.
Aluminium Gains 4.9% as Alumina Declines 1.8%
In the Europe–Russia region, primary aluminium production totalled 3.648 million tonnes in H1 2026, up from 3.477 million tonnes in the same period of 2025. The net increase of 171,000 tonnes breaks down into quarterly figures of 1.795 million tonnes (Q1) and 1.853 million tonnes (Q2), compared with 1.728 million tonnes and 1.749 million tonnes, respectively, a year earlier.
Alumina failed to keep pace. Output fell from 2.899 million tonnes in H1 2025 to 2.846 million tonnes in H1 2026, with the weakness concentrated in the opening quarter-when production dropped 6.7% year-on-year to 1.380 million tonnes.
The divergence is largely explained by first-quarter dynamics. Alumina refining faced headwinds from energy supply disruptions and logistical bottlenecks linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, whereas aluminium smelting benefited from the restart of idle capacity. By the second quarter, however, alumina output began to show signs of recovery.
Aluminium Gains 4.9% as Alumina Declines 1.8%
In the Europe–Russia region, primary aluminium production totalled 3.648 million tonnes in H1 2026, up from 3.477 million tonnes in the same period of 2025. The net increase of 171,000 tonnes breaks down into quarterly figures of 1.795 million tonnes (Q1) and 1.853 million tonnes (Q2), compared with 1.728 million tonnes and 1.749 million tonnes, respectively, a year earlier.
Alumina failed to keep pace. Output fell from 2.899 million tonnes in H1 2025 to 2.846 million tonnes in H1 2026, with the weakness concentrated in the opening quarter-when production dropped 6.7% year-on-year to 1.380 million tonnes.
Alumina 98.5%min EXW Henan
Unit:RMB/mt
China alumina producers' output statistics by province by month
Unit: mt
