SHANGHAI, Sept. 3 (SMM) – China’s alumina imports rocketed 97.78% YoY to 463,200 mt in July. YTD imports through July also soared 71.55% YoY to 3.23 million mt, according to China Customs. 

 

Two factors were behind the impressive growth in import volumes. Chinese buyers increased imports as the FOB price of Australian alumina fell below USD 310/mt in July and out of fear that import prices might bottom out. Besides, capacity resumptions and expansions at Chinese aluminum smelters also boosted alumina demand.