China December Aluminum Semis Exports down 8.7% MoM

SHANGHAI, Feb. 2 (SMM) -- According to China Customs, China exported 210,000 mt of aluminum semis during December 2011, up 9.8% YoY, but down 8.7% MoM. Exports of aluminum extrusion were 73,800 mt, up 63.4% YoY, but down 7,600 mt MoM; exports of aluminum plate, sheet and strip were 76,900 mt, down 16.2% YoY, and down 6,200 mt MoM; and exports of aluminum foil were 50,700 mt, up 9.2% YoY, but down 1,200 mt MoM.

Aluminum semis exported in December was mainly ordered in late October and November when the SHFE/LME aluminum price ratio climbed continuously, so exports of aluminum semis in December decreased. As aluminum semis exported in January 2012 was mostly ordered in December 2011 when the SHFE/LME aluminum price ratio has risen to 7.95, SMM believes aluminum semis exports in January will likely fall further.