China's June bauxite imports slip M-o-M on softer Guinean arrivals; non-mainstream supply surges

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According to data from the General Administration of Customs of People's Republic of China (GACC), China imported a total of 20.32 million tonnes of bauxite in June 2026, down 11.76 per cent month-on-month but up 12.17 per cent year-on-year. In the first half of the year, cumulative imports reached 121.08 million tonnes, representing a 17.09 per cent year-on-year increase and underscoring high overall supply levels during H1.

According to Mysteel, Chinese alumina producers consumed approximately 83.32 million tonnes of imported bauxite between January and June 2026. Actual consumption trailed significantly behind total import volumes over the same period, confirming that the imported bauxite market remains in a state of oversupply.

By country of origin, the June bauxite imports were largely underpinned by the two mainstream suppliers, Guinea and Australia. Imports from Guinea stood at 15.84 million tonnes in June, down 19.23 per cent month-on-month, while cumulative imports for H1 reached 98.41 million tonnes, up 23.5 per cent year-on-year.

The June arrivals correspond to shipments made between April and May; elevated freight rates during May, coupled with a slowdown in overall overseas shipment momentum following the exceptionally high baseline recorded in prior months, resulted in a seasonal moderation.

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Due to the transit time from West Africa to Chinese ports, Guinean arrivals retreated from record highs seen earlier but remained at robust levels, with no signs of a sharp supply contraction. Meanwhile, imports from Australia rose to 3.67 million tonnes in June, up 21.23 per cent month-on-month, with H1 imports totalling 18.16 million tonnes, a 10.2 per cent year-on-year increase.

During the second quarter, dry weather prevailed across key producing regions, with no disruptions from hurricanes, heavy rainfall, or other extreme weather events. Mining operations, inland transportation, and port loading proceeded smoothly, enabling stable mine output and ample port inventories, thereby providing solid support for increased exports to China.

In contrast to the moderated shipments from mainstream origins, imports from non-mainstream sources posted notable growth in June. Data from GACC indicate that imports from non-mainstream countries surged 105.6 per cent month-on-month but fell 37.9 per cent year-on-year, with H1 imports totalling 4.51 million tonnes, down 37.9 per cent year-on-year.

Notably, imports from Turkey soared 258.88 per cent month-on-month, marking the fastest sequential growth among non-mainstream suppliers. Imports from Guyana, Ivory Coast, and Pakistan also expanded, collectively underpinning the monthly increase from non-mainstream origins. Import performance among other non-mainstream suppliers was mixed, contributing only marginal incremental supply to the overall total.

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