Strong growth in unwrought aluminium
China’s imports of unwrought aluminium and related products jumped significantly in July, rising 38.2% year-on-year. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, the country imported 360,000 metric tons during the month, highlighting robust demand for the light metal in the world’s largest consumer market.
Seven-month trend shows steady rise
From January to July 2025, total imports of unwrought aluminium and products reached 2.33 million tons, a modest increase of 1.5% compared with the same period in 2024. The July surge helped lift overall import growth, signaling that domestic consumption and industrial demand remain resilient despite global market uncertainties.
Bauxite imports strengthen supply chain
Imports of bauxite, the key raw material used in aluminium production, also rose sharply. July inflows reached 20.06 million tons, up 34.2% from a year earlier. Cumulative bauxite imports for the first seven months totaled 123.26 million tons, reflecting an impressive 33.7% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights China’s ongoing efforts to secure raw material supplies for its energy-intensive aluminium industry.
Market implications
The surge in imports underscores China’s central role in shaping global aluminium and bauxite demand. Analysts suggest that the strong inflows reflect both domestic production needs and potential stockpiling strategies as supply chains face geopolitical and energy-related risks. With aluminium being critical for construction, transportation, and renewable energy infrastructure, the import trend points to sustained upward pressure on global demand in the second half of 2025.
