Feb exports of alumina decline 10.5% from a year ago

SHANGHAI, Mar 25 (SMM) – China’s exports of alumina fell 139,000 mt from January to stand at 3,443 mt in February, down 10.5% from a year earlier, showed the latest data from China Customs.

Imports of alumina stood at 50,000 mt last month, down 47.2% year on year and exceede exports by some 47,000 mt. This is the first time in nine months that net imports are positive.

While export orders were heard expand in March, the spread between the domestic and international markets currently stands at $20-30/mt, which will likely keep alumina from leaving China.