Brazil aluminum output inches up in Jan-Aug

Brazil's primary aluminum output in January-August reached 534,000t, up 1.7% year-on-year, according to industry association Abal.

However, production in August fell 1.2% compared to the same month last year to 67,700t, ending 15 consecutive monthly increases.

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

Abal comprises CBA, part of local conglomerate Votorantim, as well as Alcoa, BHP, Albras and Novelis.

Ranked ninth among the world's largest aluminum producers, Brazil has slipped 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.