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AustraliaQ1 2025
In Q1 2025, alumina prices dropped considerably by $599 per metric ton FOB Shanghai, or a 20.66% decline. The decline followed a prolonged period of sustained price increases in 2024 and was largely caused by relaxing supply bottlenecks and an easing in downstream demand. Favorable weather patterns in key producing countries like Australia and Guinea enabled recovery in mining and refining production, leading to improved inventories. Simultaneously, demand eased marginally as global aluminum producers reduced output to cope with lofty input costs and higher recycling levels. Market correction also mirrored speculation about unwinding and better shipping availability, which relieved earlier logistical strains.
Q4 2024
During Q4 2024, alumina prices rose by $755 per metric ton FOB Shanghai, a substantial 23.77% increase, as a result of tight supply and resilient demand from the aluminum sector. Disruptions at key refining facilities in Australia, combined with delayed shipments due to port congestion and adverse weather conditions, restricted global supply. Concurrently, China’s aluminum production surged to meet seasonal and strategic stockpiling targets, driving aggressive procurement of alumina. Market participants also noted speculative buying amid geopolitical uncertainty, further supporting the price rally through the quarter.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, alumina prices saw a strong increase of $610 per metric ton FOB Shanghai, marking a 24.74% rise. The upward trend was largely influenced by persistent bottlenecks in refining and a rebound in global industrial demand. Labor unrest and maintenance shutdowns in key alumina-producing regions strained supply, while high energy prices in Europe and Asia increased production costs, contributing to cost-push inflation. Demand from the electric vehicle, construction, and packaging industries remained strong, especially in China and India, reinforcing bullish sentiment across the alumina value chain.
Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, alumina prices recorded a moderate increase of $489 per metric ton FOB Shanghai, representing a 6.40% gain. Seasonal factors such as monsoon-related disruptions in Guinea and ongoing maintenance in Australian refineries constrained supply. Meanwhile, steady demand from aluminum smelters, particularly in Asia, kept the market tight. Rising energy costs and freight charges also contributed to price increases, although the pace of growth was more measured compared to subsequent quarters. The market remained alert to emerging supply risks and inflationary input pressures.
Q1 2024
Alumina prices in Q1 2024 rose by $460 per metric ton FOB Shanghai, a 4.85% increase, amid continued strong demand from aluminum manufacturers. The upward movement was supported by production hiccups in key regions such as India and Australia due to regulatory changes and maintenance shutdowns. Additionally, steady economic recovery in major consuming countries spurred construction and infrastructure-related demand. While supply remained relatively stable, rising logistical and energy costs pushed prices higher, setting a bullish tone for the rest of the year.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global alumina price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the alumina market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence alumina prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely alumina market data.
Track PriceWatch's alumina price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Alumina is a refined form of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) produced by heating aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) to high temperatures, typically between 1000°C and 1200°C, in a calcination process. This heat treatment removes chemically bound water, resulting in dry, white, crystalline powder with high hardness, thermal stability, and chemical inertness. Calcined alumina is widely used in the manufacture of refractories, ceramics, abrasives, and as a raw material in the production of aluminum metal.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Al₂O₃ Content | ≥ 98% |
| Na₂O Content | ≤ 0.4% |
| Fe₂O₃ Content | ≤ 0.02% |
| SiO₂ Content | ≤ 0.03% |
| LOI (Loss on Ignition) | ≤ 0.3% |
| Specific Surface Area (BET) | 3–6 m²/g |
| Bulk Density | 0.9 – 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Apparent Density | ≥ 3.6 g/cm³ |
| Particle Size (D50) | 45 – 90 µm |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Melting Point | Approximately 2050°C |
| Color | White |
| Appearance | Fine powder |
Applications
Alumina prices are influenced by a range of interrelated factors:
Global Demand-Supply Dynamics:
Demand from aluminum smelters and supply from refining operations globally are primary drivers of alumina pricing.
Alumina Availability and Costs:
As the primary feedstock for alumina, fluctuations in alumina prices and availability directly impact alumina production costs and pricing.
Refining and Energy Costs:
Alumina refining is energy intensive. Electricity, caustic soda, and fuel costs play a significant role in determining overall alumina pricing.
LME and Regional Aluminum Trends:
Though alumina itself is not traded on the LME, aluminum prices on exchanges like the LME and SHFE influence demand and pricing strategies for alumina.
Geopolitical Risks and Trade Policies:
Export restrictions, tariffs, and political instability in key producing countries (e.g., Australia, China) can lead to supply disruptions and price volatility.
Macroeconomic Trends:
Global GDP growth, inflation, and industrial output levels affect end-use demand and influence both short-term and long-term alumina pricing.
Alumina is refined from bauxite ore, and its pricing is closely tied to:
Bauxite mining costs
Energy inputs (electricity, gas)
Chemical inputs like caustic soda
Rising feedstock and refining costs directly increase the cost of alumina production. For example, a surge in energy or caustic soda prices can significantly elevate alumina market prices.
As the intermediate product between bauxite and aluminum, alumina is a critical input in aluminum manufacturing. Rising prices can lead to:
Higher aluminum production costs
Increased prices of aluminum-based products in sectors like automotive, construction, packaging, and electronics
Broader cost pressures in industrial supply chains, contributing to inflation in various sectors of the economy
PriceWatch offers a full suite of tools and insights to help you track and analyze alumina pricing:
Real-time alumina pricing and market trends
Refinery and production capacity updates
Market outlook and forward-looking price forecasts
Risk insights based on global energy markets, trade flows, and geopolitical developments
Weekly price assessments and custom procurement intelligence tools
Some of the key benefits of using PriceWatch include:
Real-time Data: Access to up-to-date market intelligence and data on commodity supply chains.
Expert Analysis: Insights from industry experts to interpret market trends and identify potential risks.
Risk Assessment: Tools to assess supply chain vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
Benchmarking: Comparisons of commodity prices and sourcing practices to optimize procurement decisions.
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