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 for 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
US-Canada Tariff War Escalates: Retaliatory Measures and Bans on Goods Imposed
Sep 12, 2026 15:58
US-Canada Tariff War Escalates: Retaliatory Measures and Bans on Goods Imposed
Read More
US-Canada Tariff War Escalates: Retaliatory Measures and Bans on Goods Imposed
US-Canada Tariff War Escalates: Retaliatory Measures and Bans on Goods Imposed
The US-Canada tariff war has escalated once again. Canada took the lead in imposing retaliatory tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of US goods, and the US responded with tough countermeasures: starting September 15, a 50% tariff will be imposed on about 100 categories of Canadian products; starting September 29, imports of certain Canadian motor vehicles and dairy products will be further banned.
Sep 12, 2026 15:58
ECB Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points, Signals Further Hikes Amid Inflation Concerns
Sep 12, 2026 15:55
ECB Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points, Signals Further Hikes Amid Inflation Concerns
Read More
ECB Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points, Signals Further Hikes Amid Inflation Concerns
ECB Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points, Signals Further Hikes Amid Inflation Concerns
The European Central Bank announced a 25 basis point hike in all three key interest rates, in line with market expectations. The central bank noted that the Middle East conflict continues to push up inflation, and inflation is expected to remain well above the target level for an extended period. According to people familiar with the matter, ECB officials expect to raise rates further, with the next move possibly coming as soon as October.
Sep 12, 2026 15:55
China's Auto Sales Drop 5.1% in August, NEV Sales Surge 17.8% YoY, Exports Up 65.3%
Sep 12, 2026 15:55
China's Auto Sales Drop 5.1% in August, NEV Sales Surge 17.8% YoY, Exports Up 65.3%
Read More
China's Auto Sales Drop 5.1% in August, NEV Sales Surge 17.8% YoY, Exports Up 65.3%
China's Auto Sales Drop 5.1% in August, NEV Sales Surge 17.8% YoY, Exports Up 65.3%
CAAM data shows that in August, China's auto sales were 2.712 million units, down 5.1% YoY. Among them, NEV performance was impressive, with sales reaching 1.643 million units, up 17.8% YoY, accounting for 60.6% of total new vehicle sales. In terms of exports, auto exports in August were 1.01 million units, up 65.3% YoY; NEV exports were 526,000 units, up 1.3x YoY.
Sep 12, 2026 15:55
Spot Alumina Prices Continue to Decline, Bauxite Prices Drop Back Slightly [SMM Bauxite Weekly Review] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)