China’s Aluminum Wire and Cable Exports Rise 3.6% YoY in Early 2025

Aluminum Wire

Exports Remain Steady Amid Market Shifts

China's aluminum wire and cable exports totaled 38,900 metric tons (mt) in January-February 2025, marking a 3.6% year-over-year (YoY) increase, according to customs data. Despite a seasonal decline in February due to the Chinese New Year, the market showed resilience, providing confidence for the year ahead.

January exports reached 23,500 mt, reflecting an 11.7% month-over-month (MoM) decrease but a 4.5% YoY increase. February exports fell further to 15,300 mt, down 34.9% MoM, yet still up 2.2% YoY. These figures highlight how domestic manufacturers offset weak domestic demand during the off-season by prioritizing exports.

Key Export Trends and Regional Shifts

China exported aluminum wire and cable to 108 countries during this period, maintaining broad global distribution. However, exports to Ghana dropped significantly, from 79,400 mt in 2024 to just 1,800 mt in early 2025, indicating a downturn in demand.

Product-wise, steel-core aluminum stranded wire and similar products made up 64.7% (25,100 mt) of total exports, while aluminum stranded wire and similar products accounted for 35.3% (13,700 mt). These proportions remained consistent with 2024, signaling stable global demand for high-specification power cables.

By regional contribution, Jiangsu Province led with 14,600 mt (37.7%), followed by Henan Province at 7,300 mt (19%). Notably, Xinjiang's exports surged to 5,800 mt (15%), securing its position as the third-largest exporting region.

Outlook: Long-Term Demand to Drive Growth

China's aluminum wire and cable exports are expected to face short-term adjustments as domestic power grid construction enters a key delivery phase, potentially shifting production capacity toward domestic demand.

However, in the medium to long term, the growth of new energy infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions is set to sustain strong demand for high-strength, high-conductivity aluminum wire and cable. Industry analysts, including Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), forecast that China's total aluminum wire and cable exports will exceed 200,000 mt in 2025, reflecting a YoY growth of over 2.5%.