China's bauxite imports hit high in May; Guinean supply dominates as non-mainstream sources collapse

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Data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) shows that China imported a total of 23.03 million tonnes of bauxite in May 2026, representing a month-on-month increase of 16.65 per cent and a year-on-year surge of 31.49 per cent, indicating a significant rebound in import scale. Total imports for the January–May period reached 100.76 million tonnes, up 18.14 per cent Y-o-Y, maintaining a high level of supply throughout the first half of the year.

According to Mysteel, Chinese alumina refineries consumed approximately 68.93 million tonnes of imported ore during the first five months. Actual consumption remains significantly lower than total import volumes, confirming that the imported bauxite market remains in a state of oversupply.

By origin, the import growth in May was almost entirely supported by the two mainstream suppliers, Guinea and Australia. Imports from Guinea hit 19.61 million tonnes, up 19.39 per cent M-o-M, accounting for over 80 per cent of total imports and serving as the core driver of the monthly rebound.

The arrivals in May correspond to the shipping cycle from mid-March to mid-April, when the region entered its dry season. Active mining activity and efficient port operations allowed major mines to maintain steady, high-volume shipments, pushing Guinean arrivals to record highs.

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Imports from Australia stood at 3.03 million tonnes, up 24.89 per cent M-o-M and slightly higher Y-o-Y. Favourable weather conditions across Australia prevented disruptions to mining and loading operations, while timely inventory replenishment at ports ensured smooth logistics, contributing to the M-o-M increase.

In stark contrast, imports from non-mainstream sources contracted sharply. Customs data indicates that imports from non-mainstream origins plunged by 55.8 per cent M-o-M and 70.2 per cent Y-o-Y, compressing their market share to less than 2 per cent.

This collapse is attributed to multiple factors. Domestically, robust shipments from mainstream suppliers squeezed out smaller players, while high ocean freight rates further suppressed their competitiveness. Additionally, domestic port inventories remained elevated, and refineries maintained conservative, rigid procurement strategies, drastically reducing their appetite for higher-cost non-mainstream ore.

On the supply side, specific disruptions exacerbated the decline: export license approvals were delayed in Malaysia, core ports in Turkey underwent scheduled maintenance, and Brazilian cargoes were largely diverted to the European and US markets. These overlapping supply constraints further weighed on shipments from non-mainstream origins to China.

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