China's domestic alumina spot prices stood rangebound at the start of 2015 this week, but are likely to edge lower in the near term on the back of prevailing weak aluminum prices, market participants said Monday, January 5.

The Platts ex-works Henan alumina price continued at Yuan 2,790/mt ($456) for 70:30 cash and credit payment, unchanged from Friday and a week ago.

Refiners' offers stayed high at a minimum Yuan 2,800/mt cash, while smelters' asking levels stood around Yuan 2,750/mt.

In neighboring Shanxi province, offers were pegged at Yuan 2,750-2,800/mt cash, with tradable levels at Yuan 2,700-2,750/mt.