The W-o-W increase could be attributed to the recommencement of production and operations of downstream aluminium processing companies after the Chinese New Year Holiday. The secondary aluminium alloy operating rate also saw a significant rebound during the week, leading the production of large plants to pre-holiday levels. The industrial extrusion sector also resumed production but construction extrusion sector continued to remain in the traditional off-season. 

However, orders in both the secondary aluminium alloy sector and the industrial extrusion sector remained average. Only extruders in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and part of South China reported slight improvement in orders.

The operating rate of the aluminium plate/sheet and strip industry also rebounded last week, albeit slightly. Further improvement is expected in March 2024. The primary aluminium alloy and aluminium foil sectors displayed relatively stable operating rates for the week.