Chinese Aluminum Exporters Use Tax Edge to Blunt Global Shortage

Chinese aluminum traders are finding an edge in inconsistent tax rules, allowing them to boost exports at a time when foreign buyers are clamoring for metal because of shortages caused by the war in Iran.

Overseas sales of stranded aluminum wire, typically used in power cabling for its strength and flexibility, surged to more than 50,000 tons last month, the most since at least 2020. The product made up a significant portion of China’s record aluminum exports in May totaling 630,000 tons.

The conflict in the Middle East has left the global market reeling from one of the biggest supply ...