Global demand for non-metallurgical grade alumina (NMGA), both commodity and speciality grades, has intensified since the start of the year in line with strengthening smelter grade alumina markets, leading industry participants told IM.
A US-based processor of NMGA told IM: “The non-metallurgical alumina market is definitely starting to tighten up. The market for smelter grade is so strong now that producers don’t want to sell feedstock to the hydrate market when they can use it to make metal.”
Prices for aluminium have been steadily trending upwards since the start of the year as the global economic recovery continues to bring a rise in real demand, as opposed to speculation, especially...