China non-ferrous metal output slows

BEIJING - China's production of 10 major non-ferrous metals in August grew at a slower pace than a year ago, as the government moved to reduce overcapacity for some metals.

Output of non-ferrous metals grew 1.2 percent year on year in August, down by 8.2 percentage points from the growth posted for August 2015, the National Development and Reform Commission said in a statement.

In the first eight months, combined production rose 0.7 percent to 34.1 million tonnes, slower from 9.4 percent for the same period of last year, the statement said.

The 10 major non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, nickel, stannum, antimony, mercury, magnesium and titanium.

Excess production capacity is a chronic problem for some non-ferrous metals. In 2015, production of 10 major non-ferrous metals rose 5.8 percent to 50.9 million tonnes.

The State Council released a guideline for the sector this June, which stated that the government will control new capacity for metals struggling with overcapacity, such as electrolytic aluminum.