London, December 29th (Argus) - Global aluminum production in November rose slightly compared to the same period last year. The increase in production in China offset the decline in production in the Middle East. According to data from the International Aluminum Association, global aluminum production in November reached 6.09 million tons, an increase of 0.46% year-on-year. The average production was 202,900 tons per day, lower than 203,000 tons per day in October. China's production increased by 1.14% to 3.65 million tons. The production in the Middle East continued to be below last year's level. Smelters did not add new production lines this year because they focused on other priorities, such as stock acquisitions. Last month, the production in the Middle East decreased by 2.68% to 508,000 tons. In November, North American production decreased by 1.53% to 322,000 tons, while South American production increased slightly by 1,000 tons to 127,000 tons. The production in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China) increased by 1.26% to 402,000 tons, while European production decreased by 1.02% to 5.804 million tons. Australia's production increased by 4% to 156,000 tons, and Africa's production remained the same as last year at 134,000 tons.
