MARKET TALK: Lower Chinese Aluminum Exports Won't Impact LME

Drop in China's aluminum products exports in January unlikely to be supportive to LME aluminum, despite a drop of 44% on year, says Shanghai-based trader. Notes more important factors to LME price are rising aluminum production capacity in U.S., slowing aluminum products demand in U.S., E.U.'s decision not to cut import duty on aluminum products. Adds, many Chinese traders increased aluminum exports in December ahead of tax rebate on aluminum exports being cancelled on Jan. 1, so less was available to export in January. LME 3-month aluminum last at $2,688/ton, down $11 on London Friday PM kerb.