Global aluminium production in January 2008 decreased 2.3 pct to 3.23 bln tonnes from the record 3.308 bln level reached in December 2007, according to the International Aluminium Institute.

January production was 6.6 pct higher than in the same month a year earlier.

Production in China and Africa fell in January, due mainly to severe winter weather in China and problems with cuts in power supplies affecting South African mines.

The aluminium price has risen close to 3,000 usd a tonne in recent days, due to supply fears and the influx of fund money into commodities.