DJ IAI: China Mar 09 Aluminum Output Up 1.6% On Mo, Dn 15% On Yr

LONDON, Apr 23, 2009 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) China's primary aluminum output in March rose 1.6% on the month to 883,000 metric tons, according to figures released Thursday by the International Aluminum Institute. March's output was down 15.4% from March output in 2008 of 1.044 million tons, the IAI said. Output in February totaled 869,000 tons. Total output from January to March totaled 2.647 million tons, down 14.8% on the year. China's primary aluminum production in 2008 rose 4% to 13.105 million tons, up from 12.588 million tons in 2007, and nearly double 2005's output of 7.806 million tons.