July alumina exports to Russia exceeded 200,000 mt, with a small net export pattern expected to be maintained in August.

SMM August 25 report:

In July 2025, China exported 229,400 mt of alumina, up 56.4% YoY; imported 125,900 mt of alumina, up 78.2% YoY; net import of alumina was -104,000 mt.

From January to July 2025, China's cumulative imports of alumina were 394,000 mt, down 68.6% YoY; cumulative exports of alumina were 1.5727 million mt, up 64.3% YoY; cumulative net imports of alumina were -1.1786 million mt.

(Based on 8-digit HS code: 28182000)

In July 2025, the portion of China's alumina exports to Russia accounted for 88.3% of total exports. Russia remained the primary destination for China's alumina exports, with monthly export volume increasing to over 200,000 mt, setting a new five-year high. From January to July 2025, China cumulatively exported 1.13 million mt of alumina to Russia, accounting for 71.9% of total exports. In August, China's alumina export window remained closed, while the import window opened compared to spot alumina prices in south China. According to market feedback, 3-4 shipments of imported alumina are expected to arrive at Chinese ports in August. However, overall, the total imports will be less than the total exports, and alumina is expected to maintain a net export pattern.

Specifically: