Q1 2025 bauxite imports Up 30 per cent Y-o-Y, Guinea sets new monthly record in March

According to data released by China's General Administration of Customs, the country imported 16.47 million tons of bauxite in March 2025, marking a 14.23 per cent month-on-month (M-o-M) and 39.06 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase. Cumulative imports for the first quarter of 2025 (January-March) reached 47.09 million tonnes, up 30.0 per cent YoY (HS code: 26060000).

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Mainstream import sources show strong growth

• Guinea: China imported 12.999 million tonnes from Guinea in March, soaring 21.16 per cent M-o-M and 47.73 per cent Y-o-Y, setting a new monthly record. Shipments, dispatched between late February and March, maintained high volumes despite a slight decline in daily average shipments. April imports from Guinea are projected to dip slightly MoM but remain higher YoY.
• Australia: Imports from Australia totalled 2.535 million tonnes, up 7.3 per cent MoM and 2.2 per cent YoY. With the rainy season’s impact fading, shipments rebounded in April, and further growth is anticipated.

Non-mainstream sources are abundant

In March 2025, China sourced bauxite from Guyana, Turkey, Malaysia, Laos, Ghana, Montenegro, the Solomon Islands, and Pakistan, with combined imports reaching 931,000 tonnes — a 66.1 per cent Y-o-Y increase. These non-mainstream suppliers accounted for 6.11 per cent of total imports.

Market outlook: Oversupply likely to persist

SMM analysts note that while alumina production cuts in April may temporarily reduce bauxite demand, surging imports are expected to bolster supply, leading to inventory accumulation. In May, bauxite supply will remain robust, and demand could see a modest rebound as new and idled capacities resume operations. However, the market is likely to stay in surplus, keeping bauxite prices under downward pressure.

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.