SHANGHAI, Jul. 2 (SMM) – China Customs data show that prebaked anode exports from Shandong, Henan and Guangxi, major producing regions, hit 605,000 mt from January to May, a 37.8% surge YoY.

Shandong exported 70,000 mt of prebaked anode in May, down 14.8% YoY. Henan and Guangxi exported 20,000 mt and 18,000 mt, respectively, an increase of 373.2% YoY and 69.3% YoY. Prebaked anode exports by Shandong during the first five months of this year, though down from the same period last year, exceeded the combined volumes by Henan and Guangxi. January to May exports from Jiangsu totaled 14,000 mt, 33.5% over the same period last year.   

The export FOB price of prebaked anode averaged USD 613/mt during January-May, down 4.7% YoY. Intensifying competition in domestic markets and delayed accounts receivable from domestic aluminum smelters are two major reasons why Chinese prebaked anode producers ramped up exports. The export prices fell, but were still acceptable for those with tighter liquidity.