Monthly Fused Alumina Market Report Nov 2023

2023-12-13 08:24:45 【Print】

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Contents

1 Market Highlights 3
2 Economy and Policy 3
3 Market Movement 3
3.1 Chinese Market 3
3.1.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW China 3
3.1.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm EXW China 3
3.1.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 EXW China 3
3.2 Chinese Export Market 4
3.2.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm FOB China 4
3.2.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 FOB China 4
3.2.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm FOB China 4
3.2.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 FOB China 4
3.3 International Market 4
3.3.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW India 4
3.3.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW India 4
3.3.3 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam 5
3.3.4 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam 5
4 Company news 5
4.1 Shandong Qinai to increase white fused alumina production 5
4.2 Jiyuan Jieda to halt brown fused alumina production 5
4.3 Guizhou Hongsheng resumed brown fused alumina production 5
4.4 Ruyang Ruilong to suspend their brown fused alumina production 5
4.5 Luoyang Kaifa to suspend brown fused alumina production 5
4.6 Guxian Baige to halt brown fused alumina production 6
5 Producer Statistics 6
5.1 Chinese brown fused alumina producers' statistics 6
5.1.2 Chinese brown fused alumina producers' output down by 4.11% MoM in November 6
5.1.3 Chinese brown fused alumina producers' inventory up by 2.71% MoM in November 6
5.2 Chinese white fused alumina producers' statistics 7
5.2.1 Chinese white fused alumina producers' operating rate down by 4.69% MoM in November 7
5.2.3 Chinese white fused alumina producers' inventory up by 9.68% MoM in November 8
6 Custom Statistics 8
6.1 China's brown fused alumina export volume grew 37.00% YoY in Oct 2023 8
6.2 China's white fused alumina export volume rose 13.95% YoY in Oct 2023 9
7 Relevant Industry News 10
8 Market Outlook for Next Month 10
8.1 Chinese Market 10
8.1.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW China 10
8.1.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW China 10
8.1.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm EXW China 10
8.1.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 EXW China 10
8.2 Chinese Export Market 10
8.2.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm FOB China 10
8.2.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 FOB China 10
8.2.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm FOB China 10
8.2.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 FOB China 10
8.3 International Market 10
8.3.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW India 10
8.3.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW India 10
8.3.3 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam 10
8.3.4 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam 10

1 Market Highlights

Brown fused alumina:
Though the sluggish market demand, given the increased bauxite prices, most producers firm their prices this month.

Though the weak market demand, given the stable domestic prices, most exporters firm their prices.

Considering the lower prices from Chinese competitors, though the good demand from local market, most Indian producers cut their prices this month to maintain sales.

Based on the stable prices from Chinese suppliers, despite the weak demand, most suppliers in European firm their prices this month.

White fused alumina:
Given the stable alumina prices plus the weak end market, most producers firm their prices this month.

Most exporters insist on their prices on basis of the steady domestic prices, though the weak market demand.

Based on the stable prices from Chinese suppliers, though the weak demand, most suppliers in European firm their prices this month.

2 Economy and Policy

2.1 China launches third round of central environmental inspections
China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment started a new round of central environmental inspections on November 21. Five teams have been dispatched to Fujian, Henan, Hainan, Gansu and Qinghai to conduct the first batch of the third round of inspections for about one month.

The inspection lower the operating rate of fused alumina producers in Henan.

2.2 Lvliang asks key industries to limit production till Mar 2024
Lvliang environmental authority has issued a document asking key industries, including iron and steel, coking, nonferrous metals (primary aluminum, alumina), casting, ferroalloys, chemical engineering, construction materials (refractory), to limit production based on differentiated control measures during autumn and winter 2023-2024. The planned control period is from November 15, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

This policy tighten the supply of bauxite in Northen China market.

3 Market Movement

3.1 Chinese Market

By the end of November, the mainstream prices of Chinese brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm stood at RMB4,550-4750/t (USD608-636/t) Inc-VAT EXW D/A 180 days, unchanged MoM. Though the sluggish market demand, given the increased bauxite prices, most producers firm their prices this month.

Prices of brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (RMB/t)

3.1.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW China
In late November, the mainstream prices of Chinese brown fused alumina 95%min F36 stood at RMB4,950-5,150/t (USD670-697/t) Inc-VAT EXW D/P, unchanged MoM. Though the sluggish market demand, given the increased bauxite prices, most producers firm their prices this month.

Prices of brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (RMB/t)

3.1.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm EXW China
By the end of November, the mainstream prices of white fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm stood at RMB4,340-4,440/t (USD591-604/t) Inc-VAT EXW D/P, down by RMB10/t (USD1.2/t) MoM. Though the high production costs, give the sluggish market demand, most producers cut their prices this month.

Prices of white fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm EXW China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (RMB/t)

3.1.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 EXW China
In late November, the mainstream prices of Chinese white fused alumina 99%min F36 stayed at RMB4,740-4,940/t (USD645-673/t) Inc-VAT EXW D/P, down by RMB10/t (USD1.2/t) MoM. Though the high production costs, give the sluggish market demand, most producers cut their prices this month.

Prices of white fused alumina 99%min F36 EXW China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (RMB/t)

3.2 Chinese Export Market

3.2.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm FOB China
By the end of November, the mainstream export prices of Chinese brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm stood at USD640-660/t Ex-VAT FOB China, unchanged MoM. Though the raised domestic prices, given the weak market demand, most exporters stabilized their prices.

Price trend of brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm FOB China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (USD/t)

3.2.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 FOB China
In late November, the mainstream export prices of Chinese brown fused alumina F36 stayed at USD690-710/t FOB China, unchanged MoM. Though the raised domestic prices, given the weak market demand, most exporters stabilized their prices.

Price trend of brown fused alumina 95%min F36 FOB China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (USD/t)

3.2.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm FOB China
By the end of November, the export prices of Chinese white fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm increased to USD610-630/t FOB China, unchanged MoM. Though the raised domestic prices, given the weak market demand, most exporters stabilized their prices.

Price trend of white fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm FOB China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (USD/t)

3.2.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 FOB China

In late November, the mainstream export prices of Chinese white fused alumina 99%min F36 stayed at USD665-685/t FOB China, down by USD5/t MoM. Though the stable domestic prices, given the weak market demand, most exporters cut their prices.

Price trend of white fused alumina 99%min F36 FOB China from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (USD/t)

3.3 International Market

3.3.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW India
By the end of November, the mainstream prices of brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm in Indian Market stayed at INR70,000-71,000/t Inc-VAT EXW T/T 45 days, down by INR1,000/t from late last week. Considering the lower prices from Chinese competitors, though the good demand from local market, most Indian producers cut their prices this month to maintain sales.

Price trend of brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW India from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (INR/t)

3.3.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW India
By the end of November, the mainstream prices of brown fused alumina 95%min F36 in Indian Market stood at INR72,000-73,000/t Inc-VAT EXW T/T 45 days, down by INR1,000/t from late last week. Considering the lower prices from Chinese competitors, though the good demand from local market, most Indian producers cut their prices this month to maintain sales.

Price trend of brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW India from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (INR/t)

3.3.3 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam
In late November, the mainstream prices of European brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm stood at EUR680-730/t T/T 30 days in Warehouses Rotterdam, unchanged MoM. Based on the increased prices from Chinese suppliers, despite the weak demand, most suppliers in European firm their prices this month.

Price trend of brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (EUR/t)

3.3.4 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam
By the end of November, the mainstream prices of white fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm hovered at EUR650-700/t in Warehouse Rotterdam, unchanged MoM. Based on the stable prices from Chinese suppliers, most suppliers in European firm their prices this month.

Price trend of white fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm in warehouse Rotterdam from 2023-10-09 to 2023-11-30 (EUR/t)

4 Company news

4.1 Shandong Qinai to increase white fused alumina production
As a major white fused alumina producer in China, Qinai (Shandong) New Materials Co., Ltd., plans to lift up their white fused alumina production from 6,000t to 10,000t this month. "As we have our two tilting furnaces of 6300kva completed in late November, we plans to increase our monthly production volume from 200t per day to about 300t per day this month", an insider from the company revealed, noting that their production volume are expected to reach 10,000t at the end of this month. With an annual production capacity of 138,000t at the moment, the company produced about 19,000t in 2022 and produced about 57,000t so far this year. They hold an inventory of nearly 3,000t at present.

4.2 Jiyuan Jieda to halt brown fused alumina production
As a brown fused alumina producer from Henan, Jiyuan Jieda Abrasive Materials Co., Ltd., plans to halt their brown fused alumina production within two weeks after resumption of only one month, expecting an output of nearly 800t this month. "We just resumed production since early November. However, due to the sluggish market demand and thin profit, we planned to suspend production later this month", a source from the company disclosed, noting that they predict to produce about 800t this month. With an annual production capacity of 27,000t, the company produced about 3,000t in the previous year and only produced about 3,000t so far in 2023 because of the terrible market demand. Currently they hold an inventory of nearly 800t.

4.3 Guizhou Hongsheng resumed brown fused alumina production
Guizhou Hongsheng Abrasive Materials Co., Ltd., as a major brown fused alumina producer in Guizhou, resumed their brown fused alumina production on 30th November, expecting to produce about 1,600t in November. "We suspended production in early June in order to upgrade our furnaces and we finally finished construction in late November and resumed production on 30th November", a source from the company revealed, adding that they aimed to produce around 1,600t this month. With an annual production capacity of 45,000t, the company has no output last year and produced about 3,000t so far in 2023. They hold an inventory of nearly 300t at present.

4.4 Ruyang Ruilong to suspend their brown fused alumina production
As a primary brown fused alumina producer in Henan, Ruyang Ruilong New Materials Co., Ltd., expects to halt their brown fused alumina production in the end of November, expecting to produce about 1,000t this month. "We just resumed production in early November as we believed that the market demand recovered. But due to the high production costs and thin profit, we decide to suspend production in the end of this month and only remain processing line instead", a source from the company disclosed, noting that they expect to produce around 1,000t in November. Having an annual production capacity of 60,000t, they produced about 12,000t in 2022 and about only 6,000t so far this year. Currently they hold an inventory of nearly 1,200t, up by 400t MoM.

4.5 Luoyang Kaifa to suspend brown fused alumina production
As a brown fused alumina producer from Henan, Luoyang Kaifa Abrasive Materials Co., Ltd., plans to halt their brown fused alumina production in the end of this month, expecting to produce about 2,000t in November. "We just resumed production in early September as we believe the market demand recovered, but due to the fierce competition and thin profit, we decided to halt production again", a source from the company stated, noting that they expect to produce about 2,000t this month. With a production capacity of 35,000tpy, the company produced about 15,000t in the previous year, while they produced about 12,000t so far this year. They hold about 1,500t in stock at the moment.

4.6 Guxian Baige to halt brown fused alumina production
As a major producer in Shanxi, Guxian Baige Senrun Abrasive Grinding Tools Co. plans to halt their brown fused alumina production in a week, expecting an output of nearly 1,000t in November. "Although we just resumed production since early November, due to the sluggish market demand, we expect to suspend production by the end of this month", a source from the company stated, noting that they estimate to produce about 1,000t this month. They have an annual production capacity of 40,000t, and produced around 16,000t last year, while only 5,000t so far in 2023 due to the sluggish market demand. They hold around 1,000t in stock at the moment, up by 500t MoM.

5 Producer Statistics

5.1 Chinese brown fused alumina producers' statistics

5.1.1 Chinese brown fused alumina producers' operating rate down by 1.06% MoM in November
In November 2023, China's operating rate of brown fused alumina producers was 24.68%, down by 1.06% MoM and up by 0.91% YoY.

Chinese brown fused alumina producers' operating rate from November 2022 to November 2023 (t)

In November 2023, the operation rate of producers in Henan was 20.21%, down by 1.92% MoM and up by 0.98% YoY; that in Guizhou was 17.91%, down by 1.55% MoM and down by 4.00% YoY; that in Shanxi was 39.23%, up by 3.09% MoM and up by 15.99% YoY; that in other area was 49.73%, up by 5.23% MoM and up by 4.34% YoY.

Chinese brown fused alumina producers' operating rate from November 2022 to November 2023 (t)

5.1.2 Chinese brown fused alumina producers' output down by 4.11% MoM in November
In November 2023, Chinese brown fused alumina producers' output was 71,100t, down by 4.11% MoM and up by 3.56% YoY.

Chinese brown fused alumina producers' output from November 2022 to November 2023

In November 2023, the output in Henan was 29,400t, down by 8.69% MoM and up by 1.90% YoY; that in Guizhou was 14,400t, down by 7.98% MoM and down by 14.28% YoY; that in other area was 13,800t, down by 17.85% MoM and down by 13.75% YoY; that in Shanxi was 13,500t, up by 8.00% MoM and up by 68.75% YoY.

Chinese brown fused alumina producers' output by province from
November 2022 to November 2023

5.1.3 Chinese brown fused alumina producers' inventory up by 2.71% MoM in November
In November 2023, Chinese brown fused alumina producers' inventory was 70,100t, up by 2.71% MoM and down by 26.67% YoY.

Chinese brown fused alumina producers' inventory from November 2022 to November 2023(t)

In November 2023, the brown fused alumina producers' inventory in Henan was 34,500t, up by 10.22% MoM and down by 1.70% YoY; that in Guizhou was 15,900t, up by 9.27% MoM and down by 41.10% YoY; that in Shanxi was 9,200t, down by 7.60% MoM and down by 51.42% YoY; that in other area was 11,200t, down by 29.55% MoM, down by 37.78% YoY.

Chinese brown fused alumina producers' inventory by province from
November 2022 to November 2023(t)

5.2 Chinese white fused alumina producers' statistics

5.2.1 Chinese white fused alumina producers' operating rate down by 4.69% MoM in November
In November 2023, Chinese white fused alumina producers' operating rate was 36.71%, down by 4.69% MoM and down by 1.79% YoY.

Chinese white fused alumina producers' operating rate from November 2022 to November 2023 (%)

In November 2023, the operating rate of white fused alumina producers in Henan was 33.13%, down by 6.44% MoM and down by 6.40% YoY; that in Shandong was 41.75%, down by 2.45% MoM and up by 5.35% YoY; that in other area was 38.4%, unchanged MoM, down by 9.60% YoY.

Chinese white fused alumina producers' operating rates by province from November 2022 to November 2023

5.2.2 Chinese white fused alumina producers' output down by 5.16% MoM in November
In November 2023, Chinese white fused alumina producers' output was 75,300t, down by 5.16% MoM and up by 1.96% YoY.

Chinese white fused alumina producers' output from November 2022 to November 2023

In November 2023, the white fused alumina producers' output in Henan was 39,100t, down by 9.90% MoM and down by 9.80% YoY; that in Shandong was 34,200t, up by 0.58% MoM and up by 22.14% YoY; that in other area was 2,000t, unchanged MoM and down by 20.00% YoY.

Chinese white fused alumina producers' output by province from November 2022 to November 2023 (t)

5.2.3 Chinese white fused alumina producers' inventory up by 9.68% MoM in November
In November 2023, Chinese white fused alumina producers' inventory was 61,700t, up by 9.68% MoM and up by 5.47% YoY.

Chinese white fused alumina producers' inventory from November 2022 to November 2023 (t)

In November 2023, the white fused alumina producers' inventory in Henan was 32,300t, up by 7.84% MoM and down by 21.41% YoY; that in Shandong was 28,400t, up by 12.25% MoM and up by 73.13% YoY; that in other area was 1,000t, unchanged MoM and unchanged YoY.

Chinese white fused alumina producers' inventory by province from
November 2022 to November 2023 (t)

6 Custom Statistics

6.1 China's brown fused alumina export volume grew 37.00% YoY in Oct 2023
In Oct 2023, China exported 43,442.46mt of brown fused alumina, 31,709.02mt in the same period last year and 41,107.52mt in the previous month, up 37.00% YoY and up 5.68% MoM.
In Oct 2023, China exported USD30,673,584.00 worth of brown fused alumina, USD41,116,411.00 in the same period last year and USD30,595,090.00 in the previous month, down 25.40% YoY and up 0.26% MoM. The average price was USD706.07/mt, USD1,296.68/mt in the same period last year and USD744.27/mt in the previous month.
In Jan-Oct 2023, China exported a total of 356,122.80mt of brown fused alumina, 412,769.53mt in the same period last year, down 13.72% YoY.

China's export volume of brown fused alumina in previous 13 months

China's export price of brown fused alumina in previous 13 months

In Oct 2023, the top three export destinations of brown fused alumina for China were United States, Japan and India.
China exported 11,858.13mt of brown fused alumina to United States, 10,674.14mt in the same period last year and 10,554.12mt in the previous month, up 11.09% YoY and up 12.36% MoM. The average price was USD611.58/mt, USD716.32/mt in the same period last year and USD585.93/mt in the previous month, down 14.53% YoY and up 4.44% MoM.
China exported 6,763.12mt of brown fused alumina to Japan, 6,340.00mt in the same period last year and 5,039.11mt in the previous month, up 6.67% YoY and up 34.21% MoM. The average price was USD743.79/mt, USD1,543.71/mt in the same period last year and USD771.76/mt in the previous month, down 51.81% YoY and down 3.63% MoM.
China exported 3,361.29mt of brown fused alumina to India, 1,976.10mt in the same period last year and 4,946.15mt in the previous month, up 70.10% YoY and down 32.04% MoM. The average price was USD816.91/mt, USD1,045.96/mt in the same period last year and USD794.35/mt in the previous month, down 21.89% YoY and up 2.90% MoM.

China's export volume of brown fused alumina to top three countries in previous 13 months

China's export price of brown fused alumina to top three countries in previous 13 months

6.2 China's white fused alumina export volume rose 13.95% YoY in Oct 2023
In Oct 2023, China exported 33,256.44mt of white fused alumina, 29,184.10mt in the same period last year and 33,259.52mt in the previous month, up 13.95% YoY and down 0.01% MoM.
In Oct 2023, China exported USD27,341,100.00 worth of white fused alumina, USD43,845,114.00 in the same period last year and USD28,568,552.00 in the previous month, down 37.64% YoY and down 4.30% MoM. The average price was USD822.13/mt, USD1,502.36/mt in the same period last year and USD858.96/mt in the previous month.
In Jan-Oct 2023, China exported a total of 334,594.67mt of white fused alumina, 338,927.98mt in the same period last year, down 1.28% YoY.

China's export volume of white fused alumina in previous 13 months

China's export price of white fused alumina in previous 13 months

In Oct 2023, the top three export destinations of white fused alumina for China were Japan, India and Netherlands.
China exported 4,412.90mt of white fused alumina to Japan, 5,940.22mt in the same period last year and 4,800.21mt in the previous month, down 25.71% YoY and down 8.07% MoM. The average price was USD863.65/mt, USD1,500.56/mt in the same period last year and USD879.08/mt in the previous month, down 42.44% YoY and down 1.71% MoM.
China exported 4,136.47mt of white fused alumina to India, 4,838.75mt in the same period last year and 5,426.62mt in the previous month, down 14.51% YoY and down 23.77% MoM. The average price was USD685.80/mt, USD1,282.97/mt in the same period last year and USD718.22/mt in the previous month, down 46.53% YoY and down 4.46% MoM.
China exported 3,513.25mt of white fused alumina to Netherlands, 1,810.80mt in the same period last year and 2,659.75mt in the previous month, up 94.02% YoY and up 32.09% MoM. The average price was USD659.40/mt, USD1,004.92/mt in the same period last year and USD702.90/mt in the previous month, down 34.43% YoY and down 6.26% MoM.

China's export volume of white fused alumina to top three countries in previous 13 months

China's export price of white fused alumina to top three countries in previous 13 months

7 Relevant Industry News

7.1 Caustic calcined bauxite
The light burn calcined bauxite Al2O3 85%min prices stood firm in the past month, which lead to the stable production costs of brown fused alumina.

7.2 Alumina Powder
The price of alumina Al2O3 98.5%min Na2O 0.3%max stood stable in the past month, which supported the firm prices of white fused alumina.

7.3 Carbon electrode
Discouraged by the prices decline of petroleum coke, the mainstream prices moved down in the past month.

8 Market Outlook for Next Month

8.1 Chinese Market

8.1.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW China
As the Market prices already decreased close to production cost line, most producers already cut or even halted production rather than lowering their prices further next month.

8.1.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW China
As the Market prices already dropped close to production cost line, most producers already decreased or even suspended production instead of cutting their prices further.

8.1.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm EXW China
As the alumina price keep stable, most producers would firm their prices next month.

8.1.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 EXW China
As the alumina price keep steady, most producers would hold their prices firm next month.

8.2 Chinese Export Market

8.2.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm FOB China
Considering the stabilized domestic prices, the export prices would increase next month.

8.2.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 FOB China
Given the flattened domestic prices, the export prices would rise next month.

8.2.3 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm FOB China
Considering the steady domestic prices, the export prices would move up next month.

8.2.4 White fused alumina 99%min F36 FOB China
Considering the stable domestic prices, the export prices would go up next month.

8.3 International Market

8.3.1 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm EXW India
Though the prices in Chinese Market decreased, most Indian producers still intend to keep their prices firm based on firm production cost and no inventory pressure.

8.3.2 Brown fused alumina 95%min F36 EXW India
Though the prices in Chinese Market decreased, most Indian producers still intend to keep their prices firm based on firm production cost and no inventory pressure.

8.3.3 Brown fused alumina 95%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam
Based on the stable prices in Chinese export Market, the prices in Europe would keep stable next month.

8.3.4 White fused alumina 99%min 1-3mm in Warehouse Rotterdam
Based on firm prices in Chinese export Market, the prices in Europe would stay steady next month.