Executive Interviews

Asian Metal: Welcome to the interview. Please briefly introduce the main business of your company.

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: JK Marketing is a manufacturing and trading company and part of a highly reputable Pakistani business conglomerate with over a century of excellence and service across the energy, textiles, IT, healthcare, and natural resources sectors. Recognized as a global commodity sourcing company, JK Marketing is engaged in the export of several commodities — most notably bauxite — with a monthly production capacity of 25,000t across various grades.

Asian Metal: China imported around 170,000t of bauxite from Pakistan from January to September this year, compared with around 5,000t in total last year. What do you think are the reasons for this sharp increase? What are the main advantages of Pakistani bauxite? And what is your forecast for the total export volume this year?

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: The remarkable increase in Pakistan’s bauxite exports to China is driven by several factors. The global rise in aluminum demand has positioned Pakistan as an increasingly important supplier, with China’s growing imports clearly reflecting the country’s potential in the international market. Firstly, as the world’s largest consumer of bauxite, China seeks to diversify beyond its traditional suppliers such as Guinea, Australia, and Indonesia — and Pakistan offers a convenient alternative. Secondly, Pakistan’s geographical proximity to China shortens shipping time and reduces costs, taking only about 15 days by sea. Thirdly, Pakistan actively encourages bauxite exports. Additionally, Pakistani bauxite is increasingly recognized for its high alumina content (Al?O? 50-60%), low silica (SiO? max 6%), and competitive pricing at USD75-76/dt CIF China. High-grade bauxite accounts for around 30% of Pakistan’s total supply. Moreover, Pakistan offers a range of grades suitable for aluminum production as well as for use in cement, refractories, and chemical industries. I expect the total export volume from Pakistan to China to exceed 200,000t this year.

Asian Metal: What are the main production locations for bauxite in Pakistan?

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: The major bauxite reserves in Pakistan are located in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s port infrastructure is expanding under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), further strengthening export capacity. At present, we deliver bauxite mainly through container shipments.

Asian Metal: What are the main challenges facing Pakistan’s bauxite industry?

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: Firstly, the quality of bauxite in Pakistan varies due to the diversity of reserves, resulting in multiple grading categories. However, the absence of a standardized grading system makes it difficult to manage these variations, posing challenges for buyers in securing consistent material quality. Secondly, although roads and railways exist, transporting bauxite from mines to ports — a distance of 1,000-1,500km — can be costly, accounting for around 40% of the FOB price. Thirdly, countries such as Guinea, Australia, and Turkey already dominate the global bauxite market, so Pakistan still needs to establish its reputation as a reliable supplier. Lastly, the monsoon season, typically from late July for about 45 days, significantly reduces bauxite production during that period.

Asian Metal: When did your company start exporting bauxite to China? Do you plan to increase the export volume? What is your forecast for Chinese demand for Pakistani bauxite over the next two years?

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: We have a long history of cooperation with major Chinese groups. We have previously worked with CMEC (China Machinery Engineering Corporation) and SINOMACH (China National Machinery Industry Corporation) and have exported various products to China. Regarding bauxite, we began exports earlier this year and have shipped around 20,000t so far. Yes, we plan to increase our export volume to China in the coming years. If Pakistan can maintain quality, improve logistics, and ensure reliable supply, demand from China could grow by about 10% year-on-year on average over the next two to five years, and we expect to double our export volume accordingly.

Asian Metal: What is your view on the current bauxite production and supply situation in Pakistan, and what is your forecast for growth in the next two years?

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: Pakistan’s bauxite sector holds significant growth potential over the next five years. The country’s current production capacity for all grades of bauxite is around 1 million tonnes. I believe the export volume to China could double to over 400,000t next year.

Asian Metal: Are there any restrictions on bauxite exports in Pakistan?

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: Pakistan encourages bauxite exports, and there are currently no restrictions in place.

Asian Metal: Could you share your view on the recent price movement of bauxite from Pakistan?

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: The current prevailing price for bauxite Al?O? 55% min, SiO? 6% is around USD74-75/dt CIF China, up by about USD4/dt compared with late last year, mainly due to increased local taxation.

Asian Metal: We wish your company greater success in the future!

Jehangir Saifullah Khan: Thank you for the opportunity. With standardized grading and a reliable supply chain, JK Marketing remains committed to expanding production and enhancing quality standards to meet growing global demand. We also welcome new collaborations and business opportunities with both domestic and international partners, aiming to build long-term relationships based on trust, quality, and mutual growth.