SMM Analysis: Aluminum Fluoride Exports Outperform Domestic Sales, Exports Increase, But Prices Drop

SMM March 24 News:

According to customs data, China's aluminum fluoride exports in January 2025 were 12,366.73 mt, up 58.74% MoM and 114.19% YoY. In February 2025, China's aluminum fluoride exports were 8,504.56 mt, down 31.23% MoM and 25.64% YoY. The export price of aluminum fluoride in January 2025 was about $1,649.52/mt, up 7.46% MoM and 23.46% YoY. In February 2025, the export price of aluminum fluoride was about $1,561.46/mt, down 5.34% MoM and up 23.77% YoY. Cumulative aluminum fluoride exports from China in 2025 reached 20,871.28 mt, up 21.27% YoY.

In terms of export types, the ratio of anhydrous aluminum fluoride to other aluminum fluorides in 2025 was 9:1. Anhydrous aluminum fluoride exports in 2025 reached 19,000 mt, up 35.43% YoY; other aluminum fluoride exports were 1,900 mt, down 40.76% YoY.

By export destination, the main countries for China's aluminum fluoride exports in 2025 were India, South Korea, and Australia. Exports to India were 11,051 mt, accounting for 53% of total exports, up 503% YoY; exports to South Korea were 2,194.23 mt, accounting for 11% of total exports, up 884% YoY; exports to Australia were 2,193 mt, ranking third, accounting for 11% of total exports, down 17.77% YoY.

Aluminum fluoride export orders at the beginning of 2025 performed moderately, up 21.27% YoY. Especially, orders to India, South Korea, and Mozambique saw increases of over 1,000 mt compared to the same period last year, with the increase in orders to India exceeding 9,000 mt. Meanwhile, orders to the UAE, Malaysia, and Bahrain saw significant reductions, with decreases ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 mt. In terms of export prices, aluminum fluoride export order prices have been in a pullback since 2025, falling to around $1,560/mt by February, which is relatively better compared to domestic prices. On the domestic market, downstream enterprises of aluminum fluoride had a strong sentiment to lower prices, while raw material prices continued to rise. In March, domestic aluminum fluoride prices further declined, squeezing profit margins in domestic orders. This situation prompted companies to shift more focus to exports to seek greater profit margins and more stable market demand. Overall, the aluminum fluoride industry in early 2025 showed a "hot outside, cold inside" pattern, with companies alleviating domestic pressure through export strategies. SMM expects that aluminum fluoride export orders will maintain a steady growth trend in March, but prices may continue to fall.