According to the International Aluminium Institute, the world primary aluminium output, including China, hit a new record in 2012 at 45.2 millions tons , up from 43.9 millions tons in 2011.
When west Europe production came down by 10% to 3.6 millions tons, its lowest level since 1999, China hit a new record at 19.7 millions tons, up 11% or 1.97 million tons versus 2011. North American production came down by 2% at 4.8 millions tons.