Chinese bauxite buyers exploring other countries following Indonesian ban
2013-12-10 18:01:59 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 10 Dec 13 - Because Indonesia will stop bauxite export from next month, most Chinese buyers turn to search for other origins like India and Australia. It is predicted that China will import more bauxite from India and Australia in the coming year.
A bauxite trader from China revealed that they once got one offer from Indonesia but quit the deal due to the upcoming export ban. “We received many offers from India recently,” said the source, noting that they plan to conclude one deal with 50,000t of bauxite Al 47-48%min Si 4%max.
However, Chinese buyers refused to accept India bauxite with price higher than USD60/t CIF China late the year. It is still hard to conclude India bauxite in large volume.
A Chinese bauxite consumer confirmed that they now mainly import bauxite from Australia. On the one hand, Indonesia will stop bauxite export soon; and on the other hand, the Indonesia bauxite grade keeps reducing.
“We consume less than 100,000t of bauxite per month right now,” said the source, noting that their alumina refinery is running at 500,000tpy based on 2 million tons per year. The price for Australia bauxite is around USD60/t CIF China.
Their alumina production will increase from next year, so they need to import more bauxite. Besides Australia bauxite, they may consider bauxite from Guinea.
A bauxite trader from China revealed that they once got one offer from Indonesia but quit the deal due to the upcoming export ban. “We received many offers from India recently,” said the source, noting that they plan to conclude one deal with 50,000t of bauxite Al 47-48%min Si 4%max.
However, Chinese buyers refused to accept India bauxite with price higher than USD60/t CIF China late the year. It is still hard to conclude India bauxite in large volume.
A Chinese bauxite consumer confirmed that they now mainly import bauxite from Australia. On the one hand, Indonesia will stop bauxite export soon; and on the other hand, the Indonesia bauxite grade keeps reducing.
“We consume less than 100,000t of bauxite per month right now,” said the source, noting that their alumina refinery is running at 500,000tpy based on 2 million tons per year. The price for Australia bauxite is around USD60/t CIF China.
Their alumina production will increase from next year, so they need to import more bauxite. Besides Australia bauxite, they may consider bauxite from Guinea.
Caustic Soda 32%min Delivered China
Unit:RMB/mt 100-basis
China alumina producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
Unit: %
