Malaysian bauxite export market remains quiet
2018-01-23 08:44:31 [Print]
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 23 Jan 18 - In late December 2017, Malaysia declared to lift the bauxite export ban, allowing qualified owners to clear bauxite stocks. However, the market remains quiet in late January as owners are not in a hurry to apply for export license in monsoon. Offers for bauxite Al 41-43%min Si 3-4% are USD40-43/t CIF China.
A Malaysian bauxite trader noted that they do not resume bauxite export now, as it is monsoon in Malaysia, which may come to an end late this month. "We plan to restart the business in February," said the source, adding that they now keep around 150,000t in stock.
Because of low freight cost to China, the trader believes that Chinese consumers will still need Malaysian bauxite in 2018 and plans to import around 1.5 million tonnes this year.
They now offer USD40/t CIF China for bauxite Al 41%min Si 2-3%.
A bauxite owner in Malaysia confirmed that they may not resume export until this March. "We do not get the export license now and the Chinese Spring Festival is coming," said the source, adding that they suspended export last August due to the ban.
The owner keeps around 20,000t of bauxite Al 43%min Si 4%max in stock, based on the capacity of 150,000tpm. They plan to offer USD30/t FOB Malaysia for the bauxite at least. The owner will stop providing low grade bauxite Al 40%min Si 5%max in 2018. The price was around USD27/t last August.
A Malaysian bauxite trader noted that they do not resume bauxite export now, as it is monsoon in Malaysia, which may come to an end late this month. "We plan to restart the business in February," said the source, adding that they now keep around 150,000t in stock.
Because of low freight cost to China, the trader believes that Chinese consumers will still need Malaysian bauxite in 2018 and plans to import around 1.5 million tonnes this year.
They now offer USD40/t CIF China for bauxite Al 41%min Si 2-3%.
A bauxite owner in Malaysia confirmed that they may not resume export until this March. "We do not get the export license now and the Chinese Spring Festival is coming," said the source, adding that they suspended export last August due to the ban.
The owner keeps around 20,000t of bauxite Al 43%min Si 4%max in stock, based on the capacity of 150,000tpm. They plan to offer USD30/t FOB Malaysia for the bauxite at least. The owner will stop providing low grade bauxite Al 40%min Si 5%max in 2018. The price was around USD27/t last August.
Bauxite Australian Monohydrate 50%min CIF China
Unit:USD/dt
China bauxite producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
Unit: %
