Spot Alumina Prices Continue to Decline, Bauxite Prices Drop Back Slightly [SMM Bauxite Weekly Review]

Published: Feb 6, 2025 16:39

》View SMM Aluminum Product Quotes, Data, and Market Analysis

》Subscribe to View SMM Historical Spot Metal Prices

SMM February 5 News:

Domestic Bauxite:

This week, domestic bauxite prices dropped back slightly, mainly due to a significant decline in alumina prices. Spot alumina transaction prices in northern regions approached the theoretical marginal cost of alumina production, putting pressure on ore prices. Northern domestic bauxite prices were the first to drop back slightly.

As of today, the self pick-up transaction price (excluding VAT) for bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 5.0 and 60% alumina content at crushing plants was approximately 640-670 yuan/mt in Shanxi, 570-610 yuan/mt in Henan, 510-550 yuan/mt in Guizhou (Al/Si ratio 5.5, 58% alumina content), and 320-335 yuan/mt in Guangxi (Al/Si ratio 6.0, 53% alumina content).

Imported Bauxite:

According to data from January 31, the weekly port arrivals of bauxite at domestic ports totaled 4.14 million mt, an increase of 200,000 mt from the previous week. Weekly port departures of bauxite from Guinea's main ports totaled 2.97 million mt, a decrease of 160,000 mt from the previous week. Weekly port departures of bauxite from Australia's main ports totaled 730,000 mt, an increase of 280,000 mt, with the impact of the rainy season in Australia becoming increasingly evident.

In terms of prices, alumina prices dropped significantly, and alumina refineries were relatively cautious in purchasing bauxite. High-priced bauxite transactions from earlier periods are unlikely to reappear in the short term, and imported ore prices dropped back slightly.

SMM Comments: Spot alumina prices dropped significantly, putting pressure on bauxite prices. Imported bauxite prices pulled back slightly, while northern domestic ore prices dropped back slightly. In the short term, spot alumina prices are likely to maintain a downward trend. Current northern alumina prices have already approached the theoretical marginal cost of alumina production. If the downward trend continues, northern regions are expected to be the first to experience alumina capacity losses. Bauxite prices remain under pressure, but no significant surplus has been observed in the bauxite spot market. Sentiment to stand firm on quotes among holders still exists, and further developments require close attention.

 

》Click to View the SMM Aluminum Industry Chain Database


 

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
22 hours ago
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
Read More
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
Fed Governor Milan Pushes for Over 100 Basis Points Cut, Contradicts Barkin on Caution
Federal Reserve Governor Milan pointed out that it is necessary for the US Fed to cut interest rates by more than 100 basis points this year. At the same time, he is very much looking forward to the performance of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chairman. However, Richmond Fed President Barkin emphasized that monetary policy must remain cautious until inflation fully pulls back to the target level, thereby ensuring the stability of the labour market.
22 hours ago
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
22 hours ago
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
Read More
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
Democratic Senators Demand Delay in Fed Nomination Amid Criminal Investigation
All 11 Democratic members of the US Senate Banking Committee jointly sent a letter to the committee's chairman, Tim Scott, requesting that all nomination processes for the prospective Fed Chairman, Kevin Warsh, be postponed until the criminal investigation into current Fed Chairman Powell and other board members is concluded. However, Scott stated that Warsh's confirmation was a done deal.
22 hours ago
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
22 hours ago
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
Read More
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
Fed to Keep Large Banks' Capital Levels Unchanged, Postpones Stress Test Reforms Until 2027
The US Fed has announced that it will maintain the capital levels of large banks unchanged during the upcoming stress test cycle (corresponding to the 2026 cycle). At the same time, the US Fed is planning multidimensional reforms to this annual test, aiming to enhance its transparency. The US Fed's Vice Chair for Supervision, Bowman, revealed that adjustments to the stress capital buffer requirements for large banks will be postponed until 2027. This move is intended to provide the US Fed with sufficient time to evaluate potential flaws that may be exposed in its testing models when assessing banks' financial conditions under simulated economic downturn scenarios.
22 hours ago