Column: Copper today, aluminum tomorrow? LME’s Russian dilemma

China's aluminum output in August slipped for a fourth straight month.

"Currently, copper, aluminum, and zinc prices are still high," said Li Hui, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission.

The European Union is set to impose duties on aluminum from China in October, only to suspend them for nine months.

Global mined zinc production will grow at the fastest pace since 2012 in 2021.

Aluminum has surged about 14% over the past three weeks as supply risks increase throughout the industry.

Aluminum’s run-up to a 13-year high has some analysts doubling down on forecasts for further gains.

Copper’s surge to record levels this year is spurring buyers in a key consumer market to mull cheaper alternatives.

Guinea is China's biggest supplier of bauxite.

The political upheaval catches the aluminum raw materials chain at a vulnerable moment with alumina prices already surging higher due to refinery problems.