Tariff concerns grow exports of aluminium alloy wheels in Jan 

SHANGHAI, Mar 6 (SMM) – Concerns over additional US' tariffs slated to take effect at the start of the year grew China's exports of aluminium alloy wheels in January, according to the latest customs data. 

China exported 90,200 mt of aluminium alloy wheels in January, up 11.63% from December and up 10.95% from January 2018, showed data from China Customs. This compared to a year-on-year increase of 2.5% in December. 

Exports in January valued $411 million, up 5.12% year on year. Exports started to climb in August 2018 as the US announced a 10% tariff on Chinese aluminium alloy wheels from September. 

The US, the biggest destination of China's aluminium alloy wheels exports, accounted for around half of China's exports. 

In January, domestic exporters also rushed to deliver cargoes abroad ahead of CNY holidays, and this also accounted for the higher exports at the start of the year. 

SMM expects exports to slow its growth or decline in the months ahead as tariff concerns wane.