SMM

SHANGHAI, Apr 24 (SMM) - The average operating rate of major aluminium extruders was flat at 66% last week. Some large aluminium extruders ran at 70-80% of their capacity, while the operating rates of small and medium-sized ones were generally 50-60%. New orders have declined. Large aluminium extruders in south China are switching some of their production lines into photovoltaic extrusion. The overall profit margins of construction aluminium extruders were relatively thin amid declines in conversion margins of both aluminium billets and construction aluminium extrusion. The operating rates are expected to be largely stable this week.