[Ferro-Alloys.com] China will officially drop the 8% duty on Australian alumina imports, which has not been applied in recent years in any case, under the landmark Free Trade Agreement between the two countries announced on Nov 17th.

"Tariffs will also be removed on a range of Australian resources and energy products, including the 8% tariff on aluminum oxide [alumina] on the first day of the Agreement," Australian Prime Minster Tony Abbot said in a statement.

China has a Most Favored Nation (MFN) 8% duty on alumina imports, but has not imposed it since 2008, according to the Chinese Ministry of Finance.

At present, imported material into China is subject to a 17% VAT, which is expected to remain, Chinese sources said.

• [Editor:Yueleilei]