China Aluminum Foil Exports Surge in September Driven by UAE and Mexico Demand

China's aluminum foil exports totaled 128,200 tonnes in September 2026, advancing 6.8% month-on-month and 13.3% year-on-year, according to Chinese customs data cited in an analysis by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). This made September the second-highest export month of 2026, falling short only of June's 131,500 tonnes. From January to September 2026, cumulative exports reached 1.0527 million tonnes, reflecting a 3.8% year-on-year gain, with unbacked aluminum foil representing 85.9% and backed foil accounting for 14.1%.

Regional trade data revealed that while Southeast Asia remained the primary destination with a 22.5% market share (down from 24.8% in August), substantial expansion across the Middle East, North America, and East Asia drove September's growth. The Middle East represented 16.7% of total shipments, rising 14.6% month-on-month. North America accounted for 13.0% (up 16.2%), and East Asia took an 11.7% share (up 18.1%). In contrast, shipments to South Asia and Europe were largely flat, while Africa saw a slight decline of 0.5%.

By destination country, Thailand remained the top market at 10,600 tonnes despite a 7.7% month-on-month drop. Mexico rose to second place with 10,200 tonnes, posting a 50.7% month-on-month surge that made it the single largest contributor to volume growth. India ranked third with 10,200 tonnes (up 8.1%). The UAE emerged as another primary driver of export momentum, recording a 48.3% month-on-month jump in incoming volume, alongside double-digit growth in shipments to South Korea (+23.5%), Malaysia (+37.6%), and Russia (+34.6%). Exports to Indonesia, the United States, and Saudi Arabia fell by 19.9%, 9.1%, and 3.4%, respectively.

SMM forecasts that Chinese aluminum foil exports will range between 120,000 and 135,000 tonnes in October 2026. Under three potential fourth-quarter average scenarios—120,000, 125,000, or 130,000 tonnes per month—full-year export volumes are projected to reach between 1.41 million and 1.45 million tonnes, representing an estimated annual increase of approximately 6% over the 1.341 million tonnes recorded in 2025.