Bauxite Price Trend and Forecast

UNSPC code: 10151500
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Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

bauxite Price Trends by Country

gnGuinea
cnChina
inIndia
auAustralia

Global bauxite Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Price-Watch’s most active coverage of Bauxite price assessment:

  • Non Calcined (45% Min.) FOB Kamsar, Guinea
  • Non Calcined (45% Min.) CIF Qingdao (Guinea), China
  • Non Calcined (45% Min.) CIF Mundra (Guinea), India
  • Non Calcined (45% Min.) FOB Brisbane, Australia

Bauxite

In Q3 2025, the global bauxite market experienced a notable price correction, with average prices declining by approximately 17–20% compared to Q2 2025. This downward trend was mainly driven by lessened demand from major alumina refineries amid slower-than-expected growth in the aluminium sector, particularly in China and Southeast Asia.

Additionally, increased supply from Guinea and Australia contributed to oversupply pressures. Operational expansions and improved logistics in West Africa enabled higher export volumes, further weighing global prices. Currency fluctuations and lower energy costs also reduced production expenses, influencing spot market pricing.

Guinea

The bauxite price trend in Guinea during Q3 2025 reflected a sharp correction, with prices falling by approximately 19% compared to Q2 2025. This decline was primarily attributed to a surplus in export volumes as mining activities in the Boké and Kindia regions operated at near maxiumum capacity. Less demand from Chinese and Indian alumina refinery, combined with high stockpiles at ports, further pressured prices downward.

However, bauxite prices saw a modest rebound in September 2025, increasing by around 2% month-on-month, supported by slight restocking activity and improved freight movement following seasonal disruptions. Market participants noted temporary supply constraints due to stricter port inspections and new environmental checks. Despite the quarterly drop, the marginal September recovery signaled potential price stabilization ahead.

China

According to PriceWatch, the bauxite price trend in China during Q3 2025 showed a significant decline, with prices dropping by approximately 19% compared to Q2 2025. This downward movement was largely driven by subdued demand from domestic alumina refineries, which operated at reduced capacity due to oversupply and weak aluminium margins.

Furthermore, a steady inflow of imported bauxite from Guinea and Indonesia led to increased stock levels at major ports like Lianyungang and Fengcheng, adding further pressure on domestic prices. Soft macroeconomic indicators and cautious infrastructure spending also weighed overall consumption.

Bauxite prices saw a slight recovery in September 2025, rising by 1% month-on-month, as some refineries resumed operations in anticipation of seasonal demand in Q4. The slight rebound was also supported by a slowdown in import volumes and improved sentiment across the non-ferrous metals sector.

India

According to PriceWatch, the price trend of bauxite in India during Q3 2025 witnessed a notable decline, with prices falling by approximately 14% compared to Q2 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by a slowdown in procurement from domestic alumina producers, particularly in Odisha and Gujarat, amid reduced production rates and high inventory levels.

The oversupply was further intensified by consistent mining output from major public and private sector players, including NALCO and Hindalco, without a corresponding rise in downstream demand. Additionally, limited export activity and subdued demand from the construction and automotive sectors contributed to bearish market sentiment.

However, bauxite prices experienced a marginal increase of 1% in September 2025, supported by early signs of recovery in alumina plant operations and increased logistical activity ahead of the festive season.

Australia

The bauxite price trend in Australia during Q3 2025 witnessed a significant decline, with prices decreasing by approximately 18% compared to Q2 2025. This downturn was primarily driven by softened global demand, particularly from Chinese alumina refineries operating at reduced capacity due to environmental regulations and oversupply concerns. Additionally, higher freight costs and a strong Australian dollar further pressured export competitiveness.

Weaker construction and manufacturing activity worldwide also contributed to lower bauxite consumption, impacting Australian exports. However, Bauxite prices showed a slight recovery in September 2025, rising by 2% amid signs of restocking demand and marginal improvements in downstream alumina and aluminium markets. Supply disruptions in other regions and anticipation of infrastructure spending in Asia provided temporary support to market sentiment.

Bauxite Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2025

According to the PriceWatch, bauxite prices has declined to $67 per metric ton FOB Kamsar in Q2 2025, marking a 9.46% drop quarter on quarter. This bearish shift has been largely influenced by tariff related spillover effects from global metal trade tensions notably the US imposition of a 25% aluminium tariff beginning March 2025.

Although this tariff targets aluminium, it has cascaded through the upstream supply chain: aluminium producers have cut back bauxite purchases leading to reduced demand and lower prices ports like Kamsar.

According to the PriceWatch, In India, bauxite prices dropped to $84 per metric ton Ex-Mumbai in Q2 2025 a decline of 8.59% QoQ. Here, domestic tariff measures have compounded the pressures: the Indian government has introduced retaliatory and safeguard duties on steel and aluminium imports since late 2024, including provisional duties on flat steel and aluminium, thereby disrupting domestic demand patterns.

In Q1 2025, bauxite prices surged by $73.48 per metric ton FOB Kamsar, marking a 27.61% increase driven by a combination of supply disruptions and strong global demand. Key supply-side constraints including mining slowdowns in major producing countries and logistical bottlenecks reduced available inventories while demand remained robust from downstream industries such as aluminum production, construction, and automotive particularly fueled by the global shift toward electric vehicles and infrastructure expansion. China, as a major consumer saw notable price inflation due to internal demand-supply imbalances further amplifying global pricing pressure.

In Q1 2025, bauxite prices in India increased by $91.89/metric ton CIF Mundra (Guinea), with 29.57% increase. This significant rise was driven by a combination of factors impacting both domestic supply and global demand. Despite India being the world’s second-largest aluminum producer, domestic bauxite extraction has struggled to keep pace with the growing industry needs. Challenges such as environmental regulations, complex land acquisition processes, and community resistance have hindered the expansion of mining operations.

Additionally, certain bauxite deposits in India contain higher impurity levels, raising costs and reducing efficiency in alumina production. Consequently, Indian producers have increasingly relied on imported bauxite to meet demand. Imports rose from over 3.7 million metric tons in 2023 to more than 4.5 million metric tons in 2024, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase. This growing dependence on external sources, coupled with global supply constraints, has exerted upward pressure on prices.

Bauxite Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

During Q4 2024, bauxite prices suffered a significant hike, increasing by $57.58 per metric FOB Kamsar ton, or 15.17, due to the influence of a mix of force disruptions and continued demand. The rainy season typically disrupting mining activity caused lower shipments and in October a major exporter halted exports, further constraining force.

Despite all these challenges, bauxite exports reached a record high of 38.01 million tonnes in Q2 2024 due to robust Chinese demand, representing 69.44 of Guinea’s bauxite exports for the first eleven months of 2024. Such a rise in demand was driven by China’s record-breaking aluminum product, driven by industries like solar power and electric vehicles.

In Q4 2024, bauxite prices in India experienced a substantial surge of $70.92 per metric ton CIF Mundra (Guinea), marking a 13.72% increase. This sharp rise was driven by a combination of factors impacting both domestic supply and global demand. Despite India being the world’s second-largest aluminum producer, domestic bauxite extraction faced challenges, including environmental regulations and logistical issues, leading to supply constraints. Additionally, the global bauxite market experienced disruptions, with key suppliers facing challenges that affected supply chains.

In Q3 2024, bauxite prices increased by $50 per metric ton FOB Kamsar, or 7.76%, due to a mix of supply disruptions and persistent demand. In one of the world’s largest bauxite exporters, Guinea, the rainy season took a toll on mining activities, with lower shipments being a result and a contributing factor to price increases.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges, such as disruptions in shipping routes, further strained supply chains, exacerbating the upward pressure on prices. Simultaneously, strong demand from key sectors, including aluminum production, construction, and automotive industries, particularly in regions like Europe and Asia, supported the price increase.

In Q3 2024, prices in India experienced a significant increase of $62.37/metric ton CIF Mundra (Guinea), equating to a 4.78% rise. This surge was driven by domestic supply constraints and escalating demand from the aluminum sector.

Despite India being the world’s second-largest aluminum producer, domestic bauxite extraction faced challenges, including environmental regulations and logistical issues, leading to supply constraints. Additionally, the global bauxite market experienced disruptions, with key suppliers facing challenges that affected supply chains.

In Q2 2024, bauxite prices saw a slight increase of $46.40 per metric ton FOB Kamsar, representing a 0.80% rise, indicating a relatively stable but tightening market. The modest price growth was primarily driven by seasonal supply constraints in major producing countries like Guinea, where heavy rains disrupted mining and transport operations.

Additionally, steady demand from the global aluminum industry, particularly in China, maintained pressure on supply chains. Although the market did not experience sharp volatility, ongoing logistical challenges and elevated freight costs contributed to a gradual upward price trend, reflecting a cautious but resilient global bauxite outlook during the quarter.

In Q2 2024, bauxite prices in India increased by $59.52/metric ton CIF Mundra (Guinea), with 0.53%, reflecting moderate price pressure in the market. This incremental increase can be attributed to several factors, including a tightening supply due to weather-related disruptions in major bauxite-producing regions like Guinea, where mining and transportation were impacted by seasonal rains.

While the impact of supply constraints was limited, it contributed to a mild upward trend. Concurrently, the strong demand for aluminum, particularly from industries in India and other key regions such as China, kept the bauxite market relatively stable.

In Q1 2024, bauxite prices increased by $46.03 per metric ton FOB Kamsar, a 3.37% rise, driven by steady demand and tightening supply conditions. The price uptick was influenced by continued strong consumption from the aluminum production sector, especially in Asia, where industrial output remained robust. At the same time, weather-related disruptions, and regulatory pressures in key mining regions, including Guinea and Australia, constrained supply, and delayed shipments.

Although the increase was moderate, it reflected underlying market resilience amid growing concerns over raw material availability and transportation bottlenecks, setting the tone for firmer pricing in the subsequent quarters.

In Q1 2024, bauxite prices in India experienced a notable increase of $59.21 per metric ton CIF Mundra (Guinea), reflecting a 4.26% rise. This uptick was primarily driven by a combination of domestic supply constraints and increasing demand from the aluminum sector. Despite India being the world’s second-largest aluminum producer, challenges such as environmental regulations, land acquisition issues, and infrastructure inadequacies have hindered the expansion of bauxite mining operations.

These factors contributed to a tightening of domestic supply, placing upward pressure on prices. Simultaneously, the global demand for aluminum remained robust, particularly in regions like Asia, further supporting the price increase.

Technical Specifications of Bauxite Price Trends

Product Description:

Bauxite is a naturally occurring, reddish-brown to tan sedimentary rock primarily composed of aluminum minerals such as gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore, along with iron oxides like goethite and hematite. It serves as the principal ore for aluminum extraction through the Bayer process. In its calcined form, bauxite undergoes heating to remove moisture, enhancing its suitability for various industrial applications.

Identifiers and Classification:

  • HS Code: 26060020


Bauxite Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • Non-Calcined (45% Min.)


Bauxite Global Trade and Shipment Term

  • Quotation Terms (Product & Country Specific): 50000-65000MT
  • Packaging Type (Product & Country Specific): Dry Bulk


Incoterms Reference in Bauxite Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
FOB Brisbane   Australia  Bauxite Export from Australia 
FOB Kamsar  Kamsar, Guinea  Bauxite Export from Guinea 
CIF Qingdao (Guinea)  China   Bauxite Import Price in China from Guinea 
CIF Mundra (Guinea)  India  Bauxite Import Price in India from Guinea 

*Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the Bauxite being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

**Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for Bauxite packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.


Key Bauxite Manufacturers

Manufacturer 
Rio Tinto 
Alcoa 
Chalco 
Nalco 
Hindalco 

Bauxite Industrial Applications

bauxite market share end use

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Bauxite prices

  • Global Supply Chain Disruption (2022): Geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine, and restrictions on energy exports disrupted global supply chains. This led to input cost volatility and logistical challenges in the aluminum industry, causing fluctuations in bauxite pricing.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2019–2020): The pandemic severely impacted industrial operations and global trade, reducing demand for aluminum and bauxite in key sectors like manufacturing and infrastructure, causing bauxite prices to decline.
  • Global Economic Downturn (2019–2020): The slowdown in global economic activity, particularly in aluminum-consuming sectors such as construction and transportation, led to decreased demand for bauxite, resulting in a drop in prices.

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global bauxite price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the bauxite 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 bauxite prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely bauxite market data.

Track PriceWatch's bauxite 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.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major bauxite production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire bauxite supply chain, from raw material availability to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact bauxite prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on bauxite production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., automotive, construction) to predict shifts in bauxite demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global bauxite production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately.
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming bauxite production capacities, factoring in new mine developments, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides an in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including aluminum production, automotive, and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments.
  • Regional Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global bauxite pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast bauxite prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power.
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most-likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

Bauxite Market Price Trend provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for bauxite. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

Global Demand for Alumina and Aluminum

 Bauxite is the primary raw material for alumina, which is then used to produce aluminum.

 Increased demand for aluminum in construction, automotive, aerospace, packaging, and electronics boosts bauxite demand.

 Growth in emerging economies and global infrastructure spending also drives demand.

Major Importing Countries (Especially China)

 China is the largest consumer and importer of bauxite, especially after reducing domestic mining due to environmental concerns.

 Any change in Chinese import policy, domestic production, or refinery capacity affects global prices.

Supply Disruptions

 Mining disruptions due to weather (e.g., cyclones in Australia), political instability, or labor strikes can restrict supply.

 Export bans or restrictions (e.g., Indonesia in the past) can cause price spikes.

Grade and Quality of Bauxite

 High-grade bauxite (with high Al₂O₃ and low reactive silica) commands a premium price.

 Prices vary depending on whether it is metallurgical-grade, non-metallurgical-grade, or refractory-grade.

Bauxite is produced from raw bauxite ore, and its pricing is closely tied to the cost of mining, refining, and energy inputs. Fluctuations in alumina and energy prices directly influence bauxite production costs. Higher feedstock and processing costs generally lead to increased bauxite prices.

Bauxite is the primary source of aluminum, which is widely used in construction, transportation, packaging, and electronics. When bauxite prices rise, the cost of aluminum-based products such as vehicles, buildings, and consumer goods also increases, contributing to inflation across various industries.

PriceWatch offers:
• Real-time bauxite pricing and trend analysis
• Market outlook reports
• Risk insights based on global supply chains and mining regulations
• Weekly pricing assessments and procurement intelligence tools