China Al Imports & Exports Data Analysis in October 2011

SHANGHAI, Nov. 28 (SMM) --
Bauxite:
According to China Customs, China imported 3.09 million mt of bauxite during October, up 74.75% YoY, but down 31.1% MoM. Total imports of bauxite from January to October were 35.78 million mt, up 47.29% YoY. Domestic alumina markets were quiet, with trading volumes and trading frequency down. Operating rates at alumina producers were also down, reducing demand for bauxite.

Aluminum Semis:
According to China Customs, China’s exports of aluminum semis during October were 230,000 mt, up 25.3% YoY, and unchanged from a month earlier. Exports of aluminum profile were 81,300 mt, up 13,300 mt from September, while exports of aluminum plate, sheet and strip were down by 15,400 mt from September levels, but exports of aluminum foil were unchanged. Robust overseas demand allowed exports of aluminum semis in October to remain generally flat at September levels.

China exported 63,800 mt of aluminum alloy ingot during October, up 18.5% YoY. YTD exports through October were 563,500 mt, up 26.01% YoY. Rapid growth in aluminum alloy ingot exports in October was mainly attributed to rapidly improving Japanese demand.