SMM Imported Bauxite CIF Index Drops Again; Alumina Refineries May Prefer Bargain Down Purchasing Prices Under Cost Pressure [SMM Bauxite Weekly Review]

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SMM March 13 News:

Domestic Bauxite:

This week, the domestic bauxite market mainly operated steadily.

As of today, the self pick-up transaction price of bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 5.0 and alumina content of 60% in Shanxi, excluding VAT, was approximately 630-670 yuan/mt; in Henan, the self pick-up transaction price of bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 5.0 and alumina content of 60%, excluding VAT, was around 560-600 yuan/mt; in Guizhou, the self pick-up transaction price of bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 5.5 and alumina content of 58%, excluding VAT, was 510-550 yuan/mt; in Guangxi, the self pick-up transaction price of bauxite with an Al/Si ratio of 6.0 and alumina content of 53%, excluding VAT, was 320-335 yuan/mt.

Imported Bauxite:

According to data from March 7, the weekly port arrivals of bauxite at domestic ports totaled 3.889 million mt, a decrease of 681,400 mt WoW; the weekly port departures of bauxite from Guinea's main ports totaled 3.2182 million mt, a decrease of 898,500 mt WoW; the weekly port departures of bauxite from Australia's main ports totaled 836,200 mt, a decrease of 39,200 mt WoW.

In terms of prices, this week, the SMM imported bauxite CIF index price decreased by $1.76/mt WoW, now reported at $93.39/mt. On one hand, buyers' intended price center continued to decline, with some buyers' intended prices dropping to $80-85/mt; on the other hand, suppliers' quoted price center also shifted downward. Based on comprehensive judgment, the SMM imported bauxite index price was reported lower.

Overall, spot alumina prices further declined. In the short term, under high cost pressure, alumina refineries may further lower bauxite procurement prices. On the supply side, Guinea's bauxite shipments remained high in January-February, and in the near term, domestic imported bauxite supply may increase, potentially shifting the bauxite supply and demand structure towards a relatively loose balance. In the short term, imported bauxite prices may mainly face downward pressure.

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