"Hopes of a rapid reopening in China have been disappointing," said Julius Baer analyst Carsten Menke.

Expectations of rising supplies after India's decision to scrap export taxes on low-grade iron ore also weighed on sentiment.

Global aluminum output reached 5.85 million tonnes last month.

The most-traded January iron ore on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange ended daytime trade 3.3% higher.

Asian stock markets were cautious and the dollar was set for a weekly gain.

Most Chinese EV makers are registering losses despite rapid sales growth because of rising battery costs.

The country brought in 196,460 tonnes, including primary metal and unwrought, alloyed aluminum, last month.

The proposal to "coordinate and integrate nickel policy" was made this week by Indonesia's investment minister in talks with Canada.