Prices of Domestic Bauxite in North China Fell Slightly, but to Remain High in the Long Term

SHANGHAI, Sep 15 (SMM) - As of September 13, bauxite in north Shanxi and Xiaoyi city with Al/Si ratio of 5.0 and alumina content of 58% was traded between 415-450 yuan/mt and 435-465 yuan/mt respectively (excluding resource tax, including VAT, delivery to factory). Bauxite in Sanmenxia city, Henan province with Al/Si ratio of 5.0 and alumina content of 58% was traded between 430-480 yuan/mt (excluding resource tax, including VAT, delivery to factory). Prices of bauxite in Guizhou province with Al/Si ratio of 5.5 were 325-370 yuan/mt (excluding tax). Prices of bauxite in Guangxi province with Al/Si ratio of 5.5 and alumina content of 55% stood at 305-320 yuan/mt (excluding tax).

In August, prices of domestic bauxite in the north fell somewhat. Due to high costs, some alumina refineries in Shanxi and Henan cut their production, thus the demand for domestic bauxite declined. Therefore, the sellers lowered their prices to clinch a deal. However, in the long run, the output of alumina is growing, hence the demand for bauxite is on an upward trend against the tight supply of domestic bauxite. Bauxite sellers may lower their prices once, but in the sellers’ market, the prices will still remain high.