As an introduction to the situation of Primary Aluminium in Western Europe, it is interesting to observe that bauxite production in Europe is on a continually decreasing curve, from 10.5 million tonnes in 1970 to 4.3 million tonnes in 2001. Alumina production, however, in Europe increased over 250% in the last 30 years to 8.4 million tonnes in 2006. The latter evolution is in line with the huge increase in the production of primary aluminium. In 1970 the production of primary aluminium amounted to 2.4 million tonnes. In 2006 production peaked at 5.0 million tonnes, this is a year on year decrease of 3.3% compared to 2005, whereas primary aluminium use in Europe increased by 4.6% to 7.9 million tonnes.
Europe remains an important net importer of primary aluminium, with imports of 2.9 million tonnes in 2006.
EU27 is even a larger net importer: 4.4 million tonnes in 2006 because of the intensive trade with Norway and Iceland.
EU aluminium metal supply (1980 - 2006)
World Primary production rose by only 2 million tonnes in 2006, reaching 33.9 million tonnes. China produced more than 1.5 million tonnes extra.
Primary Aluminium World total use in 2006 was 34.5 million tonnes, which represents a 7.9% increase year on year.
Primary aluminium use in World regions (2006 - 2007)
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