China’s September Bauxite Imports Hit 4-month High

SHANGHAI, Oct. 27 (SMM) -- According to China Customs, China’s total imports of bauxite were 4.48 million mt during September, hitting a 4-month high and close to a record high of 4.5 million mt seen in May 2011. Total bauxite imports from January through September were 32.72 million mt, up 52.32% YoY.

Indonesia and Australia remain two major suppliers of China’s bauxite imports in September. Imports from Indonesia were 3.48 million mt, up 491,000 mt MoM and 46.27% YoY, while imports from Australia were 1 million mt, up 39.05% YoY.

SMM believes increasing bauxite imports in September were closely related to continuously improving operating rates at domestic alumina producers. Meanwhile, the underdevelopment of domestic bauxite resources also allow bauxite imports to rise consecutively.