Price-Watch™ provides price assessments for Bauxite across top trading regions:
Asia-Pacific
- Bauxite Non Calcined (45% Min.) CIF Qingdao (Guinea), China
- Bauxite Non Calcined (45% Min.) CIF Mundra (Guinea), India
- Bauxite Non Calcined (45% Min.) FOB Brisbane , Australia
Middle East & Africa
- Bauxite Non Calcined (45% Min.) FOB Kamsar, Guinea
Note: In assessments structured as CIF [Importing Port] (Exporting Country), the country mentioned in brackets indicates the primary origin of supply (exporting country), while the named port refers to the destination port in the importing country. Other Incoterms (FOB, FD, EXW, etc.) should be interpreted in accordance with standard international trade definitions.
Bauxite Price Trend Q1 2026
The global bauxite market saw broad based pricing corrections in Q1 2026, as average prices fell approximately 12–13% compared to Q4 2025. This downward pricing trend occurred because of a combination of signs of less demand for bauxite coming from major alumina producers globally, improved supply availability from all major exporting regions and low levels of demand for aluminum and construction activity.
The two largest bauxite exporting countries (Guinea and Australia) experienced sharper price declines due to record high export volumes and reduced spot demand from buyers located in Asia. Chinese and Indian bauxite import prices also experienced significant price declines as domestic inventories in these countries remained in a comfortable position and buyers reduced their respective purchasing activities.The normalisation of freight and reduction of energy input costs have also acted to relieve overall pricing pressures throughout the bauxite supply chain.
Despite the existence of some pockets of demand in the Southeast Asian region resulting from infrastructure developments, overall market sentiment remained negative, with buyers waiting and seeing. Pricing at the conclusion of the quarter has been at multi-quarter lows and reflected the fact that the market has been structurally over-supplied and is expected to remain so until Q2 2026 unless there is significant recovery in demand.
India: Bauxite Import Prices CIF Mundra (Guinea), India; Grade- Non Calcined (45% Min.)
The price trend of bauxite in India softened sharply in Q1 2026, with prices declining by 9.5% compared to Q4 2025, driven by subdued procurement from domestic alumina refineries amid adequate domestic and imported ore availability. Refineries in Odisha and Gujarat maintained conservative buying patterns as aluminium end-use demand from the automotive and construction sectors remained sluggish. Steady import arrivals from Guinea at Mundra port kept inventories at comfortable levels, limiting any upward price correction.
According to Price-Watch™ , in March 2026, bauxite prices in India had already declined by 3.85%, setting a bearish tone heading into the new year. This downward price momentum carried into Q1 2026 as buyers delayed spot purchases in anticipation of further softening. Subdued export activity from Guinea and stable domestic output by major producers such as NALCO and Hindalco also weighed on market sentiment. The combination of ample supply, muted downstream demand, and cautious procurement behaviour reinforced the bearish price trajectory for bauxite in the Indian market through the quarter.
China: Bauxite Import Prices CIF Qingdao (Guinea), China; Grade- Non Calcined (45% Min.)
The price trend of bauxite in China during Q1 2026 reflected a pronounced downward correction, with import prices declining by 11.20% compared to Q4 2025, driven by persistently weak demand from domestic alumina refineries and elevated port inventory levels at Qingdao and other key terminals. Aluminium smelters continued to operate at tempered capacity amid margin pressures, limiting fresh bauxite procurement.
Slower infrastructure spending and reduced construction activity dampened consumption further, while steady inflows from Guinea and other exporters maintained a well-supplied market. The price remained stable in March 2026 for bauxite in China, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. Import flows from major suppliers were consistent, while downstream aluminum production showed steady consumption. Limited disruptions in mining and logistics supported pricing stability amid moderate global market sentiment and controlled inventory levels.
Australia: Bauxite Export Prices FOB Brisbane, Australia; Grade- Non Calcined (45% Min.)
The price trend of bauxite in Australia recorded the steepest quarterly decline among the major exporting nations in Q1 2026, with FOB Brisbane prices falling by 15% compared to Q4 2025. Weakening demand from Asian alumina refineries, particularly in China and India, significantly reduced export volumes and weighed on spot market valuations. High inventory levels at destination ports discouraged fresh procurement, while increased competition from Guinea further pressured Australian export bids.
In March 2026, Bauxite prices in Australia had already edged lower by 2.41%, signalling the onset of a more pronounced correction that materialised over the following quarter. Domestic mining output remained robust, adding to the surplus supply situation and limiting any meaningful price support from the production side. A softer Australian dollar provided marginal relief for exporters in terms of revenue but did not offset the broader demand-side weakness. s
Guinea: Bauxite Export Prices FOB Kamsar, Guinea; Grade- Non Calcined (45% Min.)
The price trend of bauxite in Guinea during Q1 2026 reflected a significant downward correction, with FOB Kamsar prices declining by 14.57% compared to Q4 2025, driven by elevated export volumes and weak spot demand from key Asian importing markets. Mining operations across the Boke and Kindia regions continued at high utilisation rates, ensuring robust supply availability despite subdued buyer interest.
In March 2026, Bauxite prices in Guinea had already declined by 3.85%, foreshadowing the deeper correction that unfolded through Q1 2026. Reduced purchase activity from Chinese and Indian alumina refineries, which have been drawing down existing stockpiles rather than sourcing fresh cargoes, further dampened market sentiment. Competitive pricing pressure from Australian exporters also limited Guinea’s ability to maintain price levels in key Asian markets.



