SHANGHAI, May 9 (SMM) – China's aluminium scrap importers were allowed to file applications to local solid waste control authorities for import licences for the second half of the year, but smaller volumes of imports are likely to receive approval, a source told SMM on Thursday May 9. 

Qualified companies can receive import licences before July 1. SMM also learned that the number of approval batches for aluminium scrap imports will decrease from that in the first half of the year. 

While some companies have received the green light, approved volumes have not been released as of Thursday May 9. 

China Customs data showed that domestic imports of aluminium scrap in March shrank 40.5% on the year to stand at 126,000 mt. 

Imports in the first three months came in at 332,000 mt, down 31.7% from the same period a year ago.