China's August aluminium extrusion exports hit a YTD high

According to customs data, China’s aluminium extrusion exports totalled 92,500 tonnes in August 2026, the highest monthly export volume of the year, up 3.0 per cent M-o-M, an increase of 2,700 tonnes from 89,800 tonnes in July. This was up 9.7 per cent Y-o-Y from 84,300 tonnes in August 2025. From January to August, China’s cumulative aluminium extrusion exports reached 629,600 tonnes, up 8.7 per cent Y-o-Y.

By destination, regional divergence was stark. Southeast Asia remained firmly in first place at 26,500 tonnes, or 28.6 per cent, up 10.9 per cent M-o-M and up 8.6 per cent Y-o-Y, making it the only region with both the largest volume and double-digit growth. Africa posted 18,800 tonnes, still up 13.9 per cent Y-o-Y, but pulled back 6.0 per cent M-o-M, with the pullback driven mainly by monthly fluctuations in orders from Nigeria alone; that country exported 7,700 tonnes in July, falling to 4,200 tonnes in August.

Latin America recorded 14,400 tonnes, rebounding 23.1 per cent M-o-M but still down 12.7 per cent Y-o-Y. Southeast Asia and Latin America together added a net 5,300 tonnes, which was offset by a net decline of 1,200 tonnes in Africa and contraction in the long tail, leaving global exports up only 3.0 per cent M-o-M.