Malaysian bauxite export market sees no progress
2018-02-07 10:26:02 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 7 Feb 18 - Although Malaysia declared to allow bauxite stocks sales from late 2017, the export saw no progress. On the one hand, it is difficult to apply for export approval before the presidential election; and on the other hand, Chinese demand becomes weak and bauxite owners are not active. The average price for bauxite Al 40%min Si 5%max was around USD27/t in 2017.
A bauxite owner in Malaysia reported that they still watch the market, as the government did not issue new export approvals. "The policy only allows us to clear stocks in the port, and I think there may be only 200,000t," said the source, who keeps around 100,000t of bauxite in the port.
The owner noted that they may not be able to export bauxite only after the presidential election in August.
Based on the annual capacity of 2 million tonnes, the owner exported around 600,000t of bauxite in 2017 and the price was around USD27/t FOB Malaysia for bauxite Al 40%min Si 5%max on average last year.
Another bauxite owner in Malaysia confirmed that they do not get export approval. "The presidential election may come in June or July, and we may get export approval after the election," said the source, who keeps no stock now.
In addition, the source is worried about the Chinese demand, as consumers in China prefer to bauxite Al 46%min from Indonesia.
Based on the annual capacity of 1 million tonnes, the owner exported around 400,000t of bauxite Al 40%min at around USD27/t FOB Malaysia on average.
A bauxite owner in Malaysia reported that they still watch the market, as the government did not issue new export approvals. "The policy only allows us to clear stocks in the port, and I think there may be only 200,000t," said the source, who keeps around 100,000t of bauxite in the port.
The owner noted that they may not be able to export bauxite only after the presidential election in August.
Based on the annual capacity of 2 million tonnes, the owner exported around 600,000t of bauxite in 2017 and the price was around USD27/t FOB Malaysia for bauxite Al 40%min Si 5%max on average last year.
Another bauxite owner in Malaysia confirmed that they do not get export approval. "The presidential election may come in June or July, and we may get export approval after the election," said the source, who keeps no stock now.
In addition, the source is worried about the Chinese demand, as consumers in China prefer to bauxite Al 46%min from Indonesia.
Based on the annual capacity of 1 million tonnes, the owner exported around 400,000t of bauxite Al 40%min at around USD27/t FOB Malaysia on average.
Bauxite Guinean 45%min CIF China
Unit:USD/dt
China bauxite producers' inventory statistics by province by month
Unit: mt
