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Chinese smelters opt for spot alumina imports

February 03, 2012 - 08:25 GMT Location: Shanghai

KEYWORDS: China , aluminium , alumina , import , Chalco , prices

Chinese aluminium smelters are opting for the spot market to meet their alumina needs instead of signing long-term contracts for 2012 after spot prices slid on higher imports.

Most smelters are still negotiating with alumina suppliers about possible long-term contracts with few deals made, one Chinese alumina producer said. “More so than ever, Chinese smelters are likely to buy spot alumina this year because spot prices have become lower than [2011’s] long-term ones,” he said. Only one smelter, owned by Aluminium Corp of China...

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