China bauxite imports up 12.3% in Jan-Jul

According to customs data, China imported 12.91 million tons of bauxite in July, increasing 11.7% on month and 22.2% from the same period last year. Wherein 9.186 million tons of bauxite were imported from Guinea, increasing 13% on month and 55.1% on year. The bauxite imported from Australia in July increased by 5.1% on year and 11.1% on month to 3.31 million tons. It is worth noting that China sees a significant increase in bauxite imports from non-mainstream sources this year. China imported 414,000 tons bauxite from non-mainstream sources, decreasing 9.29% on month but increased significant 734.7% in July.

Source: GACC

China's total bauxite import in the first seven months increased by 12.3% to 85 million tonnes, of which 94% provided by Guinea and Australia. Total imports from non-mainstream countries soared by 300% on year to 3.1 million tonnes in the first seven month. Due to the impact of the wet season in Guinea and the limited spot quantity in Australia, China still maintains firm demand for bauxite from non-mainstream source countries.

Source: GACC

Source: GACC

According to Mysteel survey, domestic mines are experiencing a decrease in operating rates due to environmental policies, resulting in continued supply shortages. In addition, The transportation of Guinea is limited in the near term driven by the wet season impact.

China's alumina refineries are actively seeking bauxite sources from non-mainstream countries as a supplement, which is a good opportunity for mines in non-mainstream countries to expand market share in China.

A Chinese trading company has sold 42kt of bauxite from Laos to Shanxi, China. It is the first vessel of bauxite from Laos to China, and is expected to arrive at Huanghua port in the near term. Furthermore, Sierra Leone bauxite has also exported into China again. According to Mysteel's survey, a ship of Sierra Leone bauxite will arrive at Huanghua Port in late August.