China’s prebaked anode export rebounds to 200,000 tonnes level in July'22 on improved demand

China customs data revealed last week that the country’s prebaked anode export volume rebounded to the 200,000 tonnes level in July 2022, attaining 206,500 tonnes. This is the second time this year that China’s prebaked anode export has exceeded 200,000 tonnes, driven by strong demand from overseas aluminium smelters.

On a month-on-month basis, the export volume in the said month edged 57.32 per cent higher, while 24.93 per cent more than a year ago. In June, China’s prebaked anode export volume stood the lowest this year at 131,000 tonnes. Yet the export price per unit elevated to a record number of US$1,316.67 per tonne.

During January-July 2022, China’s total prebaked anode export volume achieved 1.22 million tonnes, reflecting a 255,500 tonnes increase over the year.

Malaysia topped the list of importers but relatively generated less value for China, given their export price as same as the latter’s domestic price of prebaked anode. However, the unit price of exports to other countries was well above RMB 8,500 per tonne ($1,328/t).

China customs anticipates the country’s prebaked anode export volume to Malaysia will decrease in August based on local demand and supply.

SMM survey projects the overall export of China’s prebaked anode to decline subsequently, given the curtailment of production at European smelters due to worker strikes, energy shortages and soaring production costs.