A worker drives a forklift to transport aluminum bars at a factory in Anshun, Guizhou province, China, in this July 1, 2013.
The imported materials include primary metal and unwrought, alloyed aluminium, highlighting China’s role as the world’s leading consumer of this resource. The July figures contribute to a cumulative total of 2.33 million tons of unwrought aluminium and products imported in the first seven months of 2025, marking a 1.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In addition to aluminium, imports of bauxite, a critical raw material for aluminium production, rose by 34.2% year-on-year in July, totaling 20.06 million tons. This brought the cumulative bauxite imports for January to July 2025 to 123.26 million tons, a 33.7% increase from the corresponding period in 2024. The growth in bauxite imports supports China’s aluminium production capacity, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials.
“The robust import figures reflect the strength of demand in our industrial sectors,” said a spokesperson for the General Administration of Customs. “These materials are essential for meeting the needs of manufacturing and infrastructure development.”
The increase in imports aligns with China’s ongoing industrial activities, which rely on aluminium for applications ranging from construction to transportation. The steady influx of bauxite further supports domestic production, enabling manufacturers to maintain output levels to meet both domestic consumption and export demands.
The customs data underscores China’s strategic focus on securing resources to sustain its industrial growth. By maintaining high import levels, the country ensures a stable supply chain for aluminium and its raw materials, supporting economic activities and infrastructure projects nationwide.
