Guinea emerges as China's major bauxite source amid Indonesia's export halt, anticipates 30% surge in 2023

Guinea is indeed one of the world's largest producers and exporters of bauxite, which is the primary source of aluminium. Historically, Indonesia was a significant bauxite supplier, but it implemented an export ban on unprocessed bauxite to encourage the development of its domestic aluminium industry. This export ban will lead to a shift in the global bauxite market dynamics.

Guinea experiences a rainy season extending from May to November annually, while the dry season spans from December to April. Historical data indicates that the production and transportation of bauxite in Guinea have been affected during the rainy season. In the rainy season, a modest decrease in exports from Guinea is anticipated in the second half of the year compared to the first half. Notably, due to Indonesia's export ban, Guinea has emerged as China's primary supplier of bauxite. According to SMM's projections, bauxite imports from Guinea will surpass 90 million tonnes in 2023, marking a substantial year-on-year increase of approximately 30 per cent.

Guinea's copious bauxite reserves, coupled with the complex and nuanced mining conditions, have strategically positioned the country to effectively cater to the escalating global demand for bauxite, notably from China, the world's leading aluminium producer. China has been importing substantial bauxite from Guinea to secure its aluminium production.