Down 5.3% MoM, China's aluminum wire and cable exports remained above 20,000 mt in April [Analysis by SMM]

On May 30, 2025,

customs data showed that China's aluminum wire and cable exports reached 21,300 mt in April 2025, down 5.3% MoM and up 8.43% YoY. From January to April, cumulative exports totaled 82,800 mt, a 16.08% increase from 71,400 mt in the same period of 2024 (HS codes: 76141000, 76149000).

In terms of product structure, exports of steel-core aluminum stranded wire reached 15,500 mt, accounting for 72.7%, with exports maintaining an upward trend, reflecting the continued resilience of overseas power grid renovation demand. In contrast, exports of aluminum stranded wire were 5,800 mt, accounting for only 27.3%, indicating slightly weaker performance in export orders related to new energy infrastructure and other sectors.

Export destinations: In terms of export destinations, Mexico ranked first for the second consecutive month with exports of 2,628.738 mt, accounting for 12.3%, with a MoM increase of 326.75 mt. Portugal's exports were 1,619.463 mt, accounting for 7.6%, with a MoM increase of 60.383 mt. Iraq's exports were 1,352.531 mt, accounting for 6.3%, with a MoM increase of 993.635 mt.

From the perspective of export registration locations, Jiangsu Province ranked first with exports of 11,395.0 mt, accounting for 53.3% of total exports, and a MoM increase of 2,475.2 mt, demonstrating strong growth momentum, thanks to its well-established industry chain, advanced production technologies, and mature foreign trade system. Henan Province's exports were 3,098.9 mt, accounting for 14.5%, but with a MoM decrease of 1,657.9 mt. Beijing's exports were 1,364.8 mt, accounting for 6.4%, with a MoM increase of 570.5 mt.

SMM Commentary:

From an international market perspective, the advancement of infrastructure and energy projects in some countries has driven the growth in demand for aluminum wire and cable. For example, power grid renovations and PV project constructions in some Southeast Asian countries have increased demand for aluminum wire and cable, which is one of the reasons why countries like the Philippines have become important export destinations.

Meanwhile, as the global economy gradually recovers and the industrialization and urbanization processes accelerate in some emerging economies, the demand for infrastructure such as power transmission has stimulated the import of aluminum wire and cable. In terms of trade policies, although there are no significant large-scale favorable policies, factors such as the Sino-US tariff window period, despite the lack of direct business ties between China's cable exports and the US, the resilience of re-export trade methods or supply chain demand still exists. Therefore, taking advantage of the tariff easing, the export of end-use products has been promoted, driving an increase in domestic aluminum wire and cable exports, which is also one of the reasons for exports fluctuating at highs.

It is expected that in the short term, China's aluminum wire and cable exports may fluctuate. On one hand, there is uncertainty in international market demand; on the other hand, factors such as domestic raw material prices will also have an impact. However, in the long term, with the continuous advancement of global infrastructure construction and the development of the new energy industry, there is still room for growth in China's aluminum wire and cable exports.