The rapid growth of the emerging nations led by China and India is expected to drive aluminium consumption in the future. Aluminium consumption in BRIC nations alone is expected to increase at a CAGR of 9% over the period 2007-2020 while global aluminium consumption is anticipated to more than double to 78.5 mt over the same period. India is considered the fifth largest producer of aluminium in the world and demand for the metal is expected to touch 3.3 mt by 2020. Demand in the fast-growing Chinese market is expected to reach 40.8 mt by 2020. The gradual recovery of the recession-hit world markets, especially the construction and transportation sectors, would facilitate further expansion of aluminium consumption.

Global aluminium production is being driven by China. The production of primary aluminium grew at 18.8% per annum between 2003 and 2008 in China. Going forward, the rapidly expanding Asian economy is expected to reach a capacity of 34.8 mtpa by 2010.