Guinea’s bauxite exports surge 25% early 2026, led by China’s growing demand

Guinea’s bauxite sector started 2026 on a strong note, with output and exports rising sharply in the first quarter, even as the government moved toward restricting shipments later in the year.

Data from the mines ministry shows exports reaching about 60.9 million tonnes between January and March, up from 48.6 million tonnes a year earlier, an increase of just over 25 per cent. The surge appears to be largely tied to continued demand from China, which takes in more than 70 per cent of Guinea’s bauxite. According to SMM, in March alone, China imported 18.12 million tonnes of bauxite from Guinea, up 29.6 per cent M-o-M and 27.9 per cent Y-o-Y.

Production has been on an upward trend for some time. The country, already the world’s largest exporter of the ore, recorded around 183 million tonnes in 2025, and early 2026 numbers suggest that pace initially carried over.

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A big share of the recent growth came from Chinese-linked operators. Societe Miniere de Boke (SMB) accounted for roughly 18 million tonnes in the quarter, while Aluminium Corporation of China shipped about 8 million tonnes, marking a notable increase from last year. Other contributors included Hongqiao-backed operations, along with CBG and AMC.

Guinea has been considering limits on exports, with officials arguing that current price levels are putting pressure on smaller miners. Mines Minister Bouna Sylla had earlier indicated that curbs could be introduced to support prices and avoid wider financial stress across the sector.

In an exclusive interview with AL Circle, Mr Daouda Diakité, Senior Advisor to the Guinean Minister of Mines and Geology, said: “To address the price gap and the volatility of freight costs, the government is taking a dual approach: transparency and infrastructure.”

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Prices have been relatively weak despite strong volumes. Guinean bauxite has been trading at around USD 32 to USD 38 per tonne, which is near its lowest level in several years.

Factors like seasonal disruptions, higher fuel costs and possible production cuts by some operators could weigh on output with indications that the government may look beyond export caps, including tax adjustments, to encourage more investment in infrastructure and local refining.  

For now, shipments remain strong even as the outlook for the rest of 2026 becomes unpredictable in the light of CRU’s projection for export curbs to reduce production.

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