Brazil reduced aluminum production

Brazil's primary aluminum production declined sharply throughout 2014, according to the latest trade statistics. The main production of aluminum in the country decreased by 26.2 percent year-on-year to 962,000 tons, which is significantly lower than the output of 1,300,000 tons during 2013.

In December 2014 alone, the bulk of aluminum production declined 32 percent year on year. The country has shown a steady decline in output since early 2014. Production in December 2014 was 70,900 tons compared to 104,300 tons in December 2013.

Brazilian primary aluminum exports also fell sharply in 2014. The drop was 23.5 percent from the previous year, due to the closure of the smelting capacity of several manufacturers in the country. Figures released by Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Trade (MDIC) showed that 309,878 tons of raw metal were shipped abroad last year, compared with 404,847 tons in 2013.

According to the Brazilian Aluminum Producers Association, the bulk of the country's aluminum production will continue to decline in the future. The country may become a net importer of metal for the first time this year. Aluminum output is likely to fall to 660,000 tonnes by 2025.