SHANGHAI, Apr. 28 (SMM) – China exported 300,000 mt of aluminum semis in March, down 6.25% YoY and 23.08% MoM, customs data showed.
The SHFE/LME aluminum price drifted higher, unfavorable for aluminum semis exports. Moreover, falling overseas aluminum premiums made Chinese aluminum semis less attractive, another drag on outbound shipment.
Extrusion exports grew 9.1% YoY to 50,400 mt, and foil exports increased 8.55% YoY to 74,300 mt. However, exports of plate, sheet and strip dropped 9.97% YoY to 164,200 mt. A portion of the aluminum plate/sheet and strip exports are token exports, mostly subject to the changing SHFE/LME aluminum price ratio and overseas aluminum premiums.