Aluminum Exhibition | Up 3.6% Y-o-Y! Domestic Aluminum Wire and Cable Exports Steady with Growth in January-February

According to customs data, China's total aluminium wire and cable exports in January-February 2025 reached 38,900 tonnes, up 3.6 per cent Y-o-Y, achieving a steady start during the traditional domestic delivery off-season. On a monthly basis, January exports were 23,500 tonnes, down 11.7 per cent M-o-M but still up 4.5 per cent Y-o-Y.

February, affected by the Chinese New Year, saw a further pullback to 15,300 tonnes, down 34.9 per cent M-o-M, yet maintained a positive growth of 2.2 per cent Y-o-Y. The data indicates that domestic companies effectively offset the impact of weaker domestic demand in the off-season by shifting their capacity focus to the export market. (The above data is based on codes 76141000 and 76149000). The upcoming aluminum exhibition will focus on the latest aluminum cable products and technologies, including steel core aluminum strand, to provide an important exchange platform for the industry.

In terms of product structure, steel-core aluminium stranded wire and similar products accounted for 25,100 tonnes (64.7 per cent) of the total exports in January-February, while aluminium stranded wire and similar items made up 13,700 tonnes (35.3 per cent). This ratio was basically flat compared to 2024, reflecting the rigid demand for high-specification power cables in overseas markets.

Regarding export destinations, in January-February 2025, China exported aluminium wire and cable to 108 countries, maintaining a broad geographical distribution. Notably, the share of exports to Ghana sharply decreased. In 2024, exports to Ghana amounted to 79,400 tonnes, accounting for 8 per cent of the total and ranking first. However, in January-February 2025, the volume dropped to 1,800 tonnes, representing only 4.71 per cent, indicating a weakening trend in orders.

By registration location, concentration has become more pronounced. Jiangsu Province led with 14,600 tonnes (37.7 per cent), followed by Henan Province with 7,300 tonnes (19 per cent). It is worth noting that Xinjiang's exports surged to 5,800 tonnes (15 per cent), placing it third.

SMM Brief Comment: According to the data, China's aluminium wire and cable exports in January-February 2025 totalled 38,900 tonnes, up 3.6 per cent Y-o-Y, providing market confidence at the beginning of the year. As domestic power grid construction is expected to enter a concentrated delivery period, company capacities may gradually shift towards domestic demand, leading to a high-level adjustment in subsequent exports. However, in the medium and long-term, the acceleration of new energy infrastructure in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions will continue to drive demand for high-strength, high-conductivity aluminium wire and cable. SMM expects China's aluminium wire and cable exports in 2025 to exceed 200,000 tonnes, with a YoY increase of over 2.5 per cent.