Lower European prices bolster China’s imports of aluminium scrap in Apr

SHANGHAI, Jun 3 (SMM) – China’s imports of aluminium scrap expanded in April, bolstered by greater imports via general trade after prices of European materials fell sharply.

China imported 153,000 mt of aluminium scrap in April, up 21.6% from March, according to data from China Customs.

Imports in April stood 21.6% higher than April 2018, when the levy of 25% on US materials took effect.

Imports through general trade gained 37.4% to 102,000 mt in April, the highest in 13 months. This was up 29.1% from a year ago.

Imports via processing trade came in at 51,000 mt in April, barely changed month on month but down 7.2% year on year.

Aluminium scrap imports are expected to inch down in May, in view of narrower price spreads between markets domestically and overseas after domestic prices declined.