According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), China's aluminum profile imports in July reached 2,467.211 tonnes, up 21.55% month-on-month (MoM) and down 4.92% year-on-year (YoY).
In terms of import origins, China's aluminum profile imports in July were still mainly sourced from Taiwan (China), the United States, Japan and South Korea. Taiwan (China) ranked first with imports of 1,163.617 tonnes, accounting for 47.16% of total imports and increasing by 44.24% MoM. The United States ranked second with imports of 332.53 tonnes, representing 13.48% of total imports and declining by 31.57% MoM. Japan ranked third with imports of 322.687 tonnes, making up 13.08% of total imports and rising by 12.88% MoM.
According to the latest data from the customs, China's aluminum profile exports in July stood at 89,766.384 tonnes, down 2.36% MoM and up 6.63% YoY.
In terms of provincial export volume, China's aluminum profile exports in July mainly originated from Guangdong, Shandong, Fujian and Jiangsu. Guangdong exported 38,294.068 tonnes of aluminum profiles, accounting for 42.66% of total exports and decreasing by 4.05% MoM. Shandong ranked second with exports of 12,262.21 tonnes, representing 13.66% of total exports and falling by 11.91% MoM. Fujian exported 12,221.39 tonnes, accounting for 13.61% of total exports. Jiangsu exported 4,408.24 tonnes, making up 4.91% of total exports and dropping by 14.66% MoM.
In terms of export destinations, China's aluminum profiles in July were mainly exported to Nigeria, Malaysia, Vietnam and Israel. Nigeria was the largest export market with 7,745.23 tonnes, accounting for 8.63% of total exports and surging by 1,614% MoM. Malaysia ranked second with exports of 7,608.15 tonnes, representing 8.48% of total exports and edging down by 1.49% MoM. Vietnam ranked third with exports of 5,594.03 tonnes, accounting for 6.23% of total exports and declining by 19.03% MoM. Exports to Israel reached 5,241.67 tonnes, making up 5.84% of total exports and increasing by 10.82% MoM.
Overall, China's aluminum profile foreign trade in July presented a pattern of "mild rebound in imports and high-level MoM decline in exports". The absolute import volume of merely 2,467 tonnes accounted for only about 2.75% of monthly exports, exerting no material impact on domestic supply and demand. Imports remained supplementary purchases dominated by high-end precision profiles, and electronic & auto parts supporting materials. Taiwan (China) topped the list with a 44.24% MoM increase, which contrasts sharply with the 31.57% MoM decline of imports from the United States. The latter was dragged down by the US Section 232 tariffs (50% on primary aluminum products and 25% on deep-processed products) and tightened transshipment inspections. The import structure continued to tilt toward high-tech materials from East Asia.
Exports reached 89,800 tonnes. The 6.63% YoY growth reflected the low base effect and lingering overseas restocking demand. The MoM declines in exports from Guangdong, Shandong and Jiangsu indicated that the traditional off-season (high-temperature shutdowns and weak real estate sector) had spread to both domestic and foreign trade orders.
Regarding export destinations, Nigeria's 1,614% MoM surge was driven by a low base and the release of rigid demand from African infrastructure construction and window and door replacement. Malaysia maintained its leading position. Vietnam's 19.03% MoM drop was attributed to the sluggish local real estate sector and saturated competition from Chinese profiles. Israel's 10.82% MoM increase benefited from Middle East reconstruction and demand for photovoltaic mounting structures.
Written by Regina WANG
wangjiaqie@mysteel.com
