Aluminium prices set to rise

Aluminium prices are set to rise dramatically, after China’s Ministry of Finance announced that it has cancelled the 13% export tax rebate for aluminium products, including sheet materials. The change will take effect from December 1st, 2024.

Export rebate cancelled

Aluminium is just one of several commodities, including copper, for which associated export tax rebates will be reduced or cancelled.

As China is the largest exporter of aluminium globally, and the products are not produced locally, this decision will have an immediate impact in Australia. The price of materials shipped from China on or after December 1, 2024, will increase by 13% and the announcement has already triggered a jump in aluminium prices both locally and abroad.

As an aluminium supplier, we understand this policy change may present challenges to some of our customers. However, we are committed to working with you during this transition.

Future outlook

While there was a rush to export aluminium products before the December 1 deadline, aluminium processors have likely passed on some of the financial burden to international buyers. Reuters predicts a large drop in aluminium exports in 2025, similar to the noted decline in galvanised steel exports in 2020.

As the past few years have shown, it is difficult to predict what will happen to the market, but future aluminium supply will likely depend on many Chinese suppliers’ ability to operate without the tax rebate.

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You can visit our stores to browse the range or pick up an online order. Our staff are on hand to answer any questions you have about our full range of products and services, so feel free to contact us for your steel or metal solution today.