The gradual rise of Indonesia’s Alumina export

Indonesia stands aligned with the top bauxite production nations and still, its alumina production and export have not been considered at a high level. But in recent years it has shown some gradual rise in alumina exports (2016-20).

The Alumina export of Indonesia has shown a growth of 96.29% when compared between 2019 and 2016 (2019 – 1.35 million tonnes and 2016 - .05 million tonnes).

The country had planned for 178 smelters and out of it only 25 are commissioned/operation stage, 37 smelters are at various stages of construction and the rest are at F/S and environmental impact assessments. The major issue was the lack of support from the GOI but in recent times the ban on the export of raw bauxite has forced to deliver alumina production locally.

In 2016 the alumina export was 0.05 million tonnes, whereas in 2017 the alumina export increased to 1.00 million tonnes, a growth of 95%. Again in 2018 the alumina export some de-growth which stood at 0.85 million tonnes, but again in 2019, there was a growth of 37.03% which accounted for 1.35 million tonnes.

The projection for 2020 is also showing a growth of 8.88% in comparison to the previous year 2019, accounted for a volume of 1.47 million tonnes. Though the rise is gradual, it is showing some positive growth in Indonesia’s alumina market.