Alumina Refineries Favoured Domestic Bauxite in March Following Steep Drop in Caustic Soda Prices

SHANGHAI, Mar 14 (SMM) - Alumina refineries in Shanxi significantly lowered their purchase prices of liquid caustic soda by 800 yuan/mt MoM to 2,700 yuan/mt (50% ion membrane, 100% concentration, delivery to factory) in March.

Lower caustic soda prices alleviated the losses of alumina refineries to a certain extent. Alumina refineries with high-temperature production lines across Shanxi, Henan, Guizhou, and Guangxi provinces reduced purchases of imported bauxite in favour of domestic ore. Growing demand, coupled with persistent shortages for years, should keep domestic bauxite prices at highs.