China’s Aluminium Imports Drop 24.3% in January, While Bauxite Imports Rise

China's imports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products fell by 24.3% year-on-year in January, reaching 290,000 metric tons, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs. The decline comes amid shifting market dynamics in the world’s largest aluminium-consuming nation.

The reported figures include primary aluminium and unwrought, alloyed aluminium. While aluminium imports declined, bauxite imports saw a sharp increase, rising 23.3% year-on-year to 1.62 million metric tons in January. Bauxite, the primary raw material for aluminium production, remains a crucial component in China’s vast smelting industry.

The contrasting trends suggest that China continues to prioritize domestic aluminium production while relying on foreign sources for raw materials. With bauxite imports rising and unwrought aluminium imports falling, the data reflects broader efforts to maintain self-sufficiency in aluminium manufacturing while adjusting to shifting supply chains.