China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) have called on the government to increase export rebate rate for aluminium profiles up to 8~10 percent to relieve the domestic downturn aluminium market.

Due to the present below-cost aluminium price, almost all the electrolytic aluminium producers in China have reduced or ceased production, including Chinalco (SH.601600) and HS JM (SH.000602).

Between January and September, net profit of 22 key aluminium producers in China reached 13.863 billion yuan, down 37 percent froma year ago. September alone saw a profit loss of 900 million yuan.

Aluminium producers currently suffer from a loss of over 3,000 yuan per ton, said Liu Libin, deputy manager of Henan Nonferrous Metals Company Limited in central China.

Aluminium producers appeal for an export rebate rise to stimulate down-stream demand. Besides, they also expect a national reserve system for aluminium.