China's Secondary Aluminum Alloy Ingot Inventory Drops by 277 MT, Foshan Leads Destocking

[SMM Aluminum Alloy News Flash] According to customs data, China's unwrought aluminum alloy imports in April 2026 were 73,500 mt, down 15.4% YoY and down 12.9% MoM; cumulative imports from January to April were 313,900 mt, down 14.6% YoY. Exports side, unwrought aluminum alloy exports in April reached 46,300 mt, hitting a record monthly high, up 179.7% YoY and up 68.9% MoM; cumulative exports from January to April were 111,200 mt, up 58.1% YoY.

Alumina Transaction: On May 19, 2026, 30,000 mt of alumina were transacted at a transaction price of $330/mt FOB Western Australia, for August shipment.

In April 2026, China's alumina imports and exports were as follows: imports reached 610,080 tonnes, up 80.33% month-on-month and a massive 5,598.77% year-on-year; exports stood at 516,860 tonnes, up 146.8% month-on-month and 96.62% year-on-year. The sharp increase in both imports and exports was mainly due to the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, which caused large quantities of Middle Eastern alumina to be diverted into China. The surge in exports was also largely because these imported alumina shipments were re-exported from China to the Middle East after transshipment.