Latest Update in the SMM Aluminum Market

According to customs data, China's aluminum plate/sheet and strip exports (customs tariff codes 76061121, 76061129, 76061191, 76061199, 76061220, 76061230, 76061251, 76061259, 76061290, 76069100, 76069200) totaled 270,900 mt in December 2025, flat MoM from November but up 2.8% YoY. The cumulative export volume of aluminum plate/sheet and strip for the full year 2025 was approximately 3.0742 million mt, down 12% YoY.

According to customs data, China's aluminum foil exports (customs tariff codes 76071110, 76071120, 76071190, 76071900, 76072000) totaled 110,900 mt in December 2025, up 1% MoM from November but down 4% YoY. Cumulative aluminum foil exports for full-year 2025 reached approximately 1.3407 million mt, down 13.8% YoY.

[SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment: Cost Support Coupled with Policy Disruptions, Cast Aluminum Alloy Expected to Fluctuate at Highs in the Short Term] Expectations for adjustments to regional tax burden policies, strengthened compliance checks on reverse invoicing in some areas, hindered transportation due to snowfall, and repeated environmental protection-driven production restrictions in regions such as Central China have prompted some enterprises to cut production or halt operations early for the holiday. It is expected that in the short term...

[SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Minutes: Aluminum Prices Supported by Macro Tailwinds, Consolidating at High Levels in the Short Term] Overall, the easing of macro risk sentiment has provided a temporary bottom support for aluminum prices, but high inventory levels are limiting the upside potential. SMM aluminum prices are expected to consolidate at high levels in the short term.

Customs data shows that China's aluminum wire and cable exports reached 30,400 mt in December 2025, down 8.7% MoM but up 13.96% YoY. Full-year aluminum wire and cable exports in 2025 totaled 279,000 mt, up 42.91% YoY from 195,000 mt in 2024. In December, exports of aluminum steel core stranded wire reached 20,800 mt, accounting for 69% of the total, while other aluminum strand wire exports stood at 9,500 mt, making up 31%. For the full year of 2025, aluminum steel core stranded wire accounted for 63% of total exports, with other aluminum strand wire comprising 37%. (HS codes: 76141000, 76149000)