The first half of 2025 showed a divided picture for the global bauxite trade. Some producers set new records, while others stumbled against logistical and policy headwinds. Guinea and Australia stayed firmly ahead, fuelled by Chinese demand and reliable supply chains. At the same time, Turkey and Brazil slipped back, leaving room for smaller exporters such as Malaysia and Guyana to carve out a bigger role.
Export performance: gainers and losers
Guinea, the world’s largest supplier, shipped about 99.8 million tonnes between January and June — a 36 per cent jump from 73.4 million tonnes a year ago. Export earnings hit roughly USD 8.9 billion, most of it from China, which alone takes around 60 per cent of the country’s ore.
Australia also turned in a solid performance. Volumes rose 11 per cent, from 17.6 million tonnes in H1 2024 to 19.4 million tonnes, while export revenues climbed 69 per cent to USD 1.16 billion, due to firmer prices.
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