CHINA has dramatically reduced its production growth ambitions for major non-ferrous metals over the next two years, signalling a strategic pivot towards efficiency and environmental sustainability rather than volume expansion. Output of 10 principal non-ferrous metals, encompassing copper and aluminium, is projected to increase by just 1.5% annually during 2025 and 2026, said Bloomberg News citing the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Sunday. The figure represents a sharp retreat from the five percent growth rate outlined in the previous two-year plan. The reduced targets reflect Beijing’s attempt to balance supply security against industry modernisation and carbon reduction objectives, said Bloomberg News. The strategy also emphasises technological advancement in premium products, including ultra-high purity metals and sophisticated rare earth materials.