SHANGHAI, Mar. 10 (SMM) – China exported 380,000 mt of aluminum semis in January, up 42% YoY, but down 110,000 mt or 22.45% MoM, customs data showed.
A 63.19% MoM plunge in extrusion exports dragged down overall aluminum semis exports. Extrusion exports increased 6.37% YoY to 67,000 mt, though.
Foil exports gained 10.52% YoY and 6.49% MoM to 82,000 mt, and exports of plate/sheet and strip increased 91.88% YoY and 9.74% MoM to 214,000 mt.
Aluminum semis exports returned to normal in January after significant increases in December. The rising SHFE/LME aluminum price ratio and stricter customs scrutiny made robust growth of token exports unsustainable. Falling aluminum premiums overseas has left Chinese aluminum semis less attractive. This impact may be expected to hurt exports of Chinese aluminum semis into Q2.