2010 June Al Imports Data Analysis

SHANGHAI, Aug. 2 (SMM) --
Bauxite:
According to China Customs, China's bauxite imports were 2.95 million mt during June, up 92.41% YoY, setting a new high since August 2007. SMM believes higher bauxite imports in June were due mainly to the commissioning of new alumina capacity in China. New alumina capacity at Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Company and Bosai Minerals Group both use imported bauxite as raw material. In addition, the slight increase in alumina prices is helping maintain current operating rates at alumina producers. China's bauxite imports are expected to remain high in the short term.

Alumina:
According to China Customs, China's alumina imports plummeted again to 142.6 kt during June, down 72.90% YoY. Lower domestic alumina prices compared to overseas prices was the major reason behind the significant decline in alumina imports. China's alumina imports will grow significantly during 2H 2010, based on long-term alumina import contracts signed in early 2010, but the growth rate will depend on changes in the spread between domestic and overseas alumina prices.

Aluminum:
China Customs reported that aluminum imports fell to 11.7 kt during June, down 95.63% YoY.

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