China's alumina exports in May hit 16-year high

SHANGHAI, Jun 27 (SMM) – China exported 89,999 mt of alumina in May, highest level since 2002, customs data showed.

Export value amounted to 277.28 million yuan last month, averaging 3,080.9 yuan/mt.

Among the total exports in May, some 60,000 mt in two vessels departed from ports in Shandong province and a 30,000-mt cargo departed from Guangxi province. 

SMM estimated that China exported 160,000-210,000 mt of alumina during May-June when the export window was open. Exports from Guangxi are estimated at 100,000-150,000 mt, while that from Shandong at 60,000 mt. The calculation does not take into account volumes from bonded area.

Accumulated inventory at Guangxi Fanchenggang port is currently just below 10,000 mt. Some cargoes were delivered in bags as the conversion to bulk was banned on environmental ground.

China's net alumina exports in May came in at 69,999 mt, as it imported some 20,000 mt of alumina last month. This followed April’s imports of 100,000 mt.

Total alumina imports during the first five months of the year stood at 305,000 mt, down 76.8% year on year, marking a record low since 2002.