SHANGHAI, Jul. 2 (SMM) – According to China Customs, China exported 9,750 mt of anhydrous aluminum fluoride in May, a 101% surge YoY. YTD exports through May grew 38% YoY to 63,739 mt.

The export FOB price of China’s anhydrous aluminum fluoride averaged USD 1,256/mt in May, down 15% YoY, due chiefly to falling fluorite and sulfuric acid prices. Besides, a growing number of Chinese producers have set their sights on overseas markets against severe overcapacity in domestic markets. This intensified competition in export markets, also sending export prices down. 

Anhydrous aluminum fluoride capacity will remain in surplus until new aluminum capacity in northwest China comes online. Persistently lackluster aluminum prices are undermining any potential towards a rally in anhydrous aluminum fluoride prices. This will drive some Chinese producers to continue to step up exports.