Australia’s alumina export to South Africa likely to decrease by 25% in 2019

Australia is the world's largest producer of bauxite and alumina, and the world's largest exporter of alumina. In 2014-15, alumina production in the country totalled at 19.9 million tonnes, out of which almost 86 per cent was exported directly, while the rest used in domestic aluminium production.

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South Africa is one of the leading destinations where Australia exports its lion share of alumina production and the amount is found increasing. In 2016, the country’s estimated alumina export to South Africa was 929,916 tonnes, which in 2017 recorded a sweeping growth to 2.47 million tonnes. In 2018, the amount rose further to 2.51 million tonnes, up 2 per cent year-on-year. However, this year is likely to witness a dip in Australia’s alumina export to South Africa by about 25 per cent to 1.87 million tonnes.

In consequence of the drop in export volume this year, Australia’s revenue is estimated to record a plunge as well. According to the global export-import data, Australia’s alumina export to South Africa is expected to be valued at US$13 billion in 2019, compared to US$15 billion in 2018. In 2016 and 2017, the export values were at 0.85 billion and US$11 billion, which represent that until 2018 the country saw year-on-year rises in revenue from alumina export to South Africa.

India is Australia's another leading alumina export destination. In 2019, Australia is estimated to export 1.49 million tonnes, compared to 1.35 million tonnes in 2018. This shows that Australia’s alumina export to India is likely to increase by 10 per cent this year.

Gove, 100% owned by Rio Tinto Alcan; Gladstone, 80% owned by Rio Tinto Alcan and 20% by Rusal; Yawrun, 100% owned by Rio Tinto Alcan; and Pinjarra, 100% owned by Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals are some significant alumina refineries in  Australia.