China Remains a Major Net Importer of Alumina, the Surge in Ocean Freight Weakens Import Profits

SHANGHAI, Nov 17 (SMM) – Alumina exports totalled 102,400 mt in January-September 2021. The accumulative imports stood at 2.69 million mt in January-September, down 9.42% on the year. The net imports stood at 2.59 million mt in January-September;

The import window was once closed in the second half of the third quarter due to high ocean freight and overseas output cuts;

The annual net import of alumina is expected to be around 3.5 million mt.  China’s status as a major net importer may be maintained for a long time as the costs of overseas alumina production are still relatively lower than that of China.