Mexico and UAE dual engines boost September aluminium foil exports to second-highest level of the year
Image obtained from SMM
Customs data shows that China's aluminium foil exports totaled 128,200 tonnes in September 2026, up 6.8 per cent M-o-M and up 13.3 per cent Y-o-Y, marking the second-highest level of 2026, trailing only June's 131,500 tonnes. In January-September 2026, China's cumulative aluminium foil exports reached 1.0527 million tonnes, up 3.8 per cent Y-o-Y. Unbacked aluminium foil accounted for approximately 85.9 per cent, while backed aluminium foil made up about 14.1 per cent.
By region, Southeast Asia remained the top destination with a 22.5 per cent share, pulling back from 24.8 per cent in August. The Middle East (16.7 per cent, +14.6 per cent M-o-M), North America (13.0 per cent, +16.2 per cent M-o-M), and East Asia (11.7 per cent, +18.1 per cent M-o-M) expanded in tandem, forming the bulk of this month's growth. South Asia (+4.6 per cent) and Europe (+1.2 per cent) were largely flat, while Africa (-0.5 per cent) pulled back slightly.
By country, Thailand held the top spot with 10,600 tonnes (-7.7 per cent M-o-M), though its lead narrowed notably. Mexico jumped to second place with 10,200 tonnes, up 50.7 per cent M-o-M, making it the strongest single contributor to growth this month. India followed closely in third with 10,200 tonnes (+8.1 per cent). The UAE (+48.3 per cent), South Korea (+23.5 per cent), Malaysia (+37.6 per cent), and Russia (+34.6 per cent) all posted substantial gains. On the pullback side were Indonesia (-19.9 per cent), the US (-9.1 per cent), and Saudi Arabia (-3.4 per cent).
Looking ahead to October, aluminium foil exports are expected to hold at 120,000-135,000 tonnes. Based on three Q4 monthly average scenarios of 120,000 / 125,000 / 130,000 tonnes, full-year export volume is projected to land at 1.41-1.45 million tonnes, corresponding to a full-year Y-o-Y increase of approximately +6 per cent against the 2025 full-year base of 1.341 million tonnes.
Two variables warrant close monitoring: first, whether aluminium foil tariff codes will be included in the common external barrier following the conclusion of US-Mexico negotiations, which will directly determine the trajectory of Mexico exposure; second, the restocking pace in the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) and South Asia (India), which are the two most important sources of incremental aluminium foil volume in Q4.
Note: This article has been shared by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.
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