Chinese Bauxite Import Reached New High in Jan Increased 67.59%

According to data from China customs, China imported 5.1372 million tones of bauxite in January, increased 67.59% compared to last year. This is the new high import record in last 8 months.

We can know from the data analysis that, import from Indonesia raised to 3.039 million tones last month, increased 28.84% compared to the same time last year, and 34.95% compared to December 2012. Import from Australia raised to 986,000 tones last month, increased 49.09% compared to the same time last year, and 34.70% compared to December 2012. Import from India, Guinea and Ghana also increased. It was the first time that China has import bauxite from Ghana.

According to the comparison of bauxite prices, Indonesian bauxite CIF price was $49.75 per ton, year on year growth was 15.22. The average price of Australian bauxite CIF price increased 8.55% to $59.40 per ton. Bauxite prices from Africa and South America are at $74-$82 per ton. The quality and distance determined the price of bauxite.

There are four main reasons of the bauxite import increase in January. First, the new alumina factories in Shandong area increased market needs. Second, factories took write downs due to the bauxite export restrain in Indonesia may restart running, which improved the needs. The third, these alumina process factories are purchasing more material to prevent the restrain of Indonesia in 2014. Last, Indonesian bauxite export policies was loosen, more Chinese traders took part in.