Flooding Chinese Aluminum Semis Sparks Anger in Overseas Markets

SHANGHAI, Mar. 23 (SMM) – Rusal recently accused China of dumping aluminum semis and has called for a discussion of the issue at the next World Customs Organisation meeting. 

 

China exported 3.67 million tonnes of aluminum semis in 2014, up 600,000 tonnes or 19.5% from a year ago. The country also exported 800,000 tonnes of aluminum wheel rim, up 81,000 tonnes or 11.3% year-on-year. Export rebates on aluminum semis – 13% on aluminum plate/sheet, strip and extrusion; 15% on aluminum foil; and 17% on aluminum wheel rim – have given Chinese exporters a competitive edge in overseas market. 

 

However, the outward flood of Chinese aluminum semi, combined with expansions in India’s aluminum market, and Russia’s own growing aluminum exports have pushed down LME aluminum prices and aluminum premiums overseas. This has not only cut export margins, but also made Chinese aluminum semis less attractive in overseas market. Many aluminum semi exporters have indicated to SMM that their export orders are shrinking.