China Primary Aluminum Imports Rise to 34,900 mt in October

SHANGHAI, Dec. 8 (SMM) –According to China Customs, China imported 34,900 mt of primary aluminum in October, up from September’s 10,600 mt.

The month-on-month growth is driven by a significant growth of imports under tolling trade. Primary aluminum imported under tolling trade came mainly from Iran, New Zealand and Australia. Imports under general trade were a mere 10,000 mt.  

Aluminum premiums in Japan remained between USD 80-90/mt in October. Overseas institutions see no sharp drop in Japan aluminum premiums in the short term. China will maintain a 17% VAT on primary aluminum imports. These factors will act as constraint on primary aluminum imports.