Q1 2025 Bauxite Imports Up 30% YoY, Guinea Sets New Monthly Record in March

SMM April 21 News:

According to data released by China's General Administration of Customs, the country imported 16.47 million tons of bauxite in March 2025, marking a 14.23% month-on-month (MoM) and 39.06% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Cumulative imports for the first quarter of 2025 (January–March) reached 47.09 million mt, up 30.0% YoY (HS code: 26060000).

Mainstream Import Sources Show Strong Growth

• Guinea: China imported 12.999 million mt from Guinea in March, soaring 21.16% MoM and 47.73% YoY, setting a new monthly record. Shipments, dispatched between late Feburauary and March, maintained high volumes despite a slight decline in daily average shipments. April imports from Guinea are projected to dip slightly MoM but remain higher YoY.
• Australia: Imports from Australia totaled 2.535 million mt, up 7.3% MoM and 2.2% YoY. With the rainy season’s impact fading, shipments rebounded in April, and further growth is anticipated.

Non-Mainstream Sources Keep Abundant

In March 2025, China sourced bauxite from Guyana, Turkey, Malaysia, Laos, Ghana, Montenegro, the Solomon Islands, and Pakistan, with combined imports reaching 931,000 mt—a 66.1% YoY increase. These non-mainstream suppliers accounted for 6.11% of total imports.

Market Outlook: Oversupply Likely to Persist

SMM analysts note that while alumina production cuts in April may temporarily reduce bauxite demand, surging imports are expected to bolster supply, leading to inventory accumulation. In May, bauxite supply will remain robust, and demand could see a modest rebound as new and idled capacities resume operations. However, the market is likely to stay in surplus, keeping bauxite prices under downward pressure.