Brazil aluminum output up in January

Brazil's primary aluminum output in January was 67,800t, up 4.5% year-on-year, according to data from industry association Abal.

Sequentially, production was up 0.59% from 67,400t and has now increased for nine months in a row.

For full-year 2016, output was 792,700t.

Abal is made up of CBA, part of local conglomerate Votorantim, as well as Alcoa, BHP Billiton, Albras and Novelis.

Ranked nine among the world's largest aluminum producers, Brazil has dropped several places over the past few years in the global upstream segment. However, it is still a major player with an integrated chain that includes bauxite mining, alumina refining and primary aluminum production.