The calculated market deficit for primary aluminium for January to April 2007 was 62kt. Demand for primary aluminium was just under 12.2 million tonnes, 1178 kt more then the equivalent total for January to April 2006.

Production rose by 1281 kt to 12.1 million tonnes during the same period. Total reported stocks fell during April to stand at 2.73 million tons, equivalent to just under one month's demand, at the end of the month. No allowance is made in the consumption calculation for unreported stock changes.

Overall, global production increased by 11.8 per cent compared with January to April 2006. Chinese output rose by 1083 kt and currently accounts for almost 32 per cent of the world production total. Net exports of unwrought aluminium from China were, at 81.9 kt, 66 per cent below the total recorded in the first four months of 2006.

Production in the EU27 was down by 1 per cent whilst NAFTA output increased by 3 per cent. Global demand rose by just under 11 per cent to 12.18 million tonnes. EU27 demand continues to be stronger and the year on year increase was just under 9 per cent.

In April, primary aluminium production was 3079.8 kt and consumption was 3119.8 kt.