Brazil's Bauxite export fell in February while alumina remained stable

Brazil’s exports of bauxite fell in February 2014 while alumina shipments remained stable and aluminium increased, according to the country’s trade ministry.

Bauxite exports from Brazil dropped 33.2% year-on-year in February on decreased volumes sent to North America.

Volumes sent abroad amounted to 553,742 tonnes, compared with 828,892 tonnes in February last year.

Export revenue in the month stood at $26.81 million, compared with $27.77 million a year earlier.

In the January-February period, exports totalled 1.23 million tonnes, a 25.1% increase from the same period in 2013.

The USA bought 118,492 tonnes of Brazilian bauxite last month, down from 513,899 tonnes in February 2013.

Canada bought 210,673 tonnes, against 88,262 tonnes in the corresponding month in 2013.

Additional material was sent to Ireland (108,896 tonnes), Germany (56,450 tonnes) and Greece (45,350 tonnes).

Alumina exports remained practically stable in February 2014, in comparison with the same month last year.

Exports totalled 633,549 tonnes, compared with 637,730 tonnes in February 2013.

Revenues for the month stood at $168.52 million, from $171.80 million a year earlier.

For the first two months of 2014, volumes sent overseas totalled 1.35 million tonnes, from 1.34 million tonnes in January-February 2013.

Canada was the main customer last month, acquiring 205,866 tonnes, from 175,447 tonnes in February 2013.

The UAE reported 99,819 tonnes shipped in the month, compared with 31,304 tonnes a year earlier.

Brazil also sent alumina to Norway (123,013 tonnes), Qatar (52,498 tonnes), China (47,210 tonnes) and Iceland (35,502 tonnes).

Brazilian aluminium exports rose 5.9% year-on-year in February on increased volumes to the USA.

Volumes sent overseas totalled 26,555 tonnes, from 25,069 tonnes in February 2013.

Revenues in the month totalled $46.64 million, compared with $51.02 million a year before.

For the January-February period, exports amounted to 58,709 tonnes, from 74,745 tonnes in the same period in 2013.

The USA ordered 7,641 tonnes from no imports in February last year.

Japan was the main importer in February, taking 18,887 tonnes, compared with 17,754 tonnes a year earlier.

Brazil exported an additional volume of 25 tonnes to Colombia.