China Finds Alternative to Indonesian Bauxite

SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 (SMM) – China is finding alternative to Indonesian bauxite in response to Indonesia's export ban early this year by stepping up imports from Malaysia.

 

China’s imports of Malaysian bauxite hit a record high of 566,000 tonnes in September 2014, China Customs data showed.  

 

Malaysia – accounting for 20% of China’s total imports in September – became China’s third largest supplier of bauxite, next only to Australia and India. This was driven largely by its price advantage (Malaysian ore ($ 50.94 per tonne, CIF), versus Australian bauxite ($ 60.8 per tonne, CIF), Indian bauxite ($ 59.2 per tonne, CIF). 

 

Year-to-date imports through September totaled 2.85 million tonnes, down 62.38% year-on-year, but up 14.40% month-on-month. Alumina refineries reopened or restarted idled capacity, boosting bauxite demand