China Aluminum Semis Export Data Analysis in May 2012

SHANGHAI, Jul. 2 (SMM) --

Data from the General Administration of Customs show China’ aluminum semis exports in May fell 23% YoY, but was up by 8.3% MoM, to 260,000 mt. Aluminum extrusion exports fell 13.28% YoY, but rose 5.3% MoM, to 79,000 mt. Aluminum plate, sheet and strip exports were down 41.49% YoY, but up 3% MoM, to 104,000 mt. Only aluminum foil exports reported gains on both a monthly and yearly basis. China’s aluminum foil exports increased 13.85% YoY and 18.5% MoM, hitting 64,000 mt for the month. High value-added aluminum products are major contributors of export growth since higher export profit margins are still possible at higher SHFE/LME aluminum price ratios.