August unwrought aluminium alloy imports continued to recover mom, export growth narrowed

In August 2026, unwrought aluminium alloy exports were 51,600 tonnes, up 77.6 per cent YoY but down 11.9 per cent M-o-M. Cumulative exports from January to August 2026 were 348,700 tonnes, up 100.1 per cent Y-o-Y. 

By import source, in August 2026, China’s imports of unwrought aluminium alloy were highly concentrated in Russia and Southeast Asian countries. The top five sources that month—Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea—totalled 55,200 tonnes, accounting for 77.2 per cent of total imports. Specifically, Russia ranked first with 18,000 tonnes (25 per cent), followed closely by Malaysia with 17,500 tonnes (24 per cent); Thailand recorded 11,500 tonnes (16 per cent), Vietnam 4,800 tonnes (7 per cent), and South Korea 3,400 tonnes (5 per cent).

By export destination, Japan and South Korea were China’s core export markets for unwrought aluminium alloy, with Asia dominating. Exports to Japan that month were 23,500 tonnes, accounting for 46 per cent of total exports and firmly ranking first; exports to South Korea were 8,400 tonnes (16 per cent), ranking second.

Exports to Mexico, Vietnam, and Thailand were 3,200 tonnes, 2,800 tonnes, and 2,300 tonnes, accounting for 6 per cent, 5 per cent, and 5 per cent, respectively. The top five destinations accounted for about 78 per cent in total, indicating a relatively clear market concentration. In addition, there were also some exports to markets such as India, Brazil, and Taiwan, China. 

Overall, aluminium alloy imports have risen M-o-M for two consecutive months as of August, with import volumes continuing to recover, though they remained basically flat Y-o-Y. Exports, while still posting substantial Y-o-Y growth, have pulled back M-o-M for two straight months, indicating that the earlier strong export growth momentum has weakened somewhat.

Imports: Imports rose M-o-M for two consecutive months, with the recovery continuing and some room for a modest rebound ahead. August imports of unwrought aluminium alloy came in at 71,500 tonnes, up 19.5 per cent M-o-M, marking the second straight month of M-o-M growth and basically flat Y-o-Y.

A pullback in overseas aluminium alloy quotes and a narrowing price spread between Chinese and overseas markets helped ease import losses from earlier levels, bringing some previously delayed cargoes into port and driving a continued recovery in import volumes.

That said, overall imports remain at a relatively low level, the import window has not fully opened, and room for substantial expansion in the near term is limited. Entering September, domestic ADC12 prices have kept rising amid stricter enforcement of tax invoice policies, while overseas ADC12 quotes have largely held at USD 3,100–3,200 per tonnes.

At the same time, the yuan has strengthened past the 6.70 mark, and spot import gains and losses have gradually narrowed to around the break-even line, with import economics improving notably from earlier levels. Import volumes are expected to have some room for a modest rebound going forward.

Exports: High Y-o-Ygrowth continued, but M-o-M declines persisted for two consecutive months, pointing to weakening growth momentum. August exports of unwrought aluminium alloy came in at 51,600 tonnes, still maintaining a relatively high YoY growth rate, but down M-o-M for the second straight month, with marginal export expansion momentum softening from earlier levels.

Overseas demand and earlier orders continued to underpin exports, but the two consecutive months of M-o-M declines suggest that incremental export momentum is weakening. Combined with the high base from the prior period and narrowing price advantages in some overseas markets, exports are likely to remain at highs going forward, though growth may slow further. 

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.