Bauxite Price Reference: Historical CIF Quotations by Origin
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Historical Bauxite Price Reference
The table below records bauxite quotations by producing country as a historical reference. Prices are expressed in USD per ton on CIF terms, with the typical alumina and silica grade of each origin indicated.
| Country | Product / Grade | Avg Price (USD/ton) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Bauxite CIF, Al 48-50%, Si 8-10% | 48 |
| Indonesia | Al 45-47%, Si 4-6% | 69 |
| Vietnam | Al 53-54%, Si 4-5% | 47 |
| India | Al 44-46%, Si 7-9% | 40 |
| Malaysia | Al 50%, Si 5% | 67 |
| Turkey | Al 52-56%, Si 5-8% | 58 |
| Montenegro | Al 57-60%, Si 3-5% | 96 |
| Solomon Islands | Al 47-50%, Si 0.2-0.4% | 48 |
| Jamaica | Al 48%, Si 1.5% | 75 |
| Brazil | Al 54-56%, Si 3-6% | 64 |
| Guinea | Al 43-45%, Si 2-3% | 66 |
Understanding Bauxite Grades
Bauxite value is determined mainly by alumina content and penalized by silica and other impurities. Higher alumina content reduces the ore consumption per ton of alumina produced, while reactive silica increases caustic consumption in the Bayer process. Buyers therefore pay a premium for high-alumina, low-silica material, which is reflected in the spread of quotations across origins.
Factors That Move Bauxite Prices
Production disruptions at major mines, which tighten regional supply.
Trade policies, export restrictions and shipping regulations in producing countries.
Demand from the aluminum industry, which depends on global macroeconomic conditions.
Freight costs, since bauxite is a bulk commodity and logistics form a large share of landed cost.
Exchange rates and fuel prices that affect mining and transport costs.
Market Behavior and Volatility
Bauxite prices are often volatile. The commodity responds to swings in aluminum demand, shifts in refinery operating rates and sudden changes in supply from key exporters. Long-term contracts and tied mining-refining arrangements in the industry also mean that spot quotations capture only part of the market picture.
Historical Reference and Timeliness
The quotations shown here were recorded at a specific date and are provided for historical reference. They do not represent current market prices, which change with supply and demand conditions. Buyers of bauxite should request up-to-date offers covering the exact alumina and silica specification, origin, quantity and delivery terms before concluding purchases.
FAQ
Q1: What does CIF mean in bauxite quotations? CIF (cost, insurance and freight) means the price includes the goods, marine insurance and freight to the destination port, excluding import duties.
Q2: Why does bauxite price vary by country? Alumina content, silica level, mining conditions, logistics and trade policies differ by origin, so prices vary accordingly.
Q3: What is the main use of bauxite? Bauxite is the principal raw material for alumina, which is refined into aluminum metal, and is also used in refractory and chemical applications.
Q4: Are these prices current? No. They are a historical snapshot and are presented for reference only; the current market level may differ.
Q5: What makes bauxite prices volatile? Production disruptions, trade policy changes, aluminum demand swings and macroeconomic conditions all contribute to volatility.
