China July bauxite imports down 6% M-o-M, non-mainstream sources slump

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China's bauxite imports totalled 19.04 million tonnes in July 2026, down 6.28 per cent month-on-month (M-o-M) and 4.6 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), according to data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC). Cumulative imports for January-July reached 140.12 million tonnes, up 13.8 per cent year-on-year, remaining at an elevated level.

According to Mysteel's data, China's domestic alumina refineries collectively consumed around 9.82 million tonnes imported bauxite over January-July 2026, significantly below total import volumes over the same period, indicating that the imported ore market has remained in oversupply.

The oversupply was partly attributed to rising domestic alumina capacity. Mysteel's data showed that as of end-July 2026, China's domestic installed alumina capacity read 120.95 million tonnes per year, up 5.44 per cent from 114.70 million tonnes per year from the same period last year, generating more demand for feedstock. More importantly, most newly installed alumina capacity has been in the coastal regions, which rely more heavily on imported bauxite, thus raising China's overall import dependence.

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Imports by source of origin

July imports were largely supported by the two major suppliers, Guinea and Australia. Imports from Guinea stood at 14.88 million tonnes, down 6.05 per cent M-o-M and 6.66 per cent Y-o-Y, with cumulative January-July imports reaching 113.29 million tonnes, rising 18.5 per cent Y-o-Y.

The July import volumes, corresponding to May-June shipments, reflected the impact of higher freight rates and seasonal disruptions from the Guinean rainy season, which slowed overall shipment schedules. While the shipping delays translated into lower July arrivals in China, the overall imports remained high, with no significant supply contraction.

Imports from Australia reported 3.95 million tonnes in July, up 7.75 per cent M-o-M, with cumulative January-July imports reaching 22.11 million tonnes, up 12.8 per cent YoY. Dry weather conditions in Australia during the period, which was free of cyclones and extreme rainfall, enabled smooth mining, inland transport, and port loading operations. Stable mine output and ample port inventories allowed an increase in shipments to China.

Imports from non-mainstream sources

Imports from non-mainstream sources fell to 211,900 tonnes in July, down 74.0 per cent M-o-M and 78.5 per cent Y-o-Y. Cumulative January-July imports from these sources reached 4.72 million tonnes, down 42.7 per cent year-on-year.

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By country, imports from Ghana, Guyana, and Sierra Leone fell to zero in July, representing the main contraction in non-mainstream supply. Other non-mainstream source countries showed mixed performance, collectively contributing a modest drag on total July import volumes.

Note: This news is published under a content and exchange agreement with Mysteel