Guinea bauxite output jumps 25% ahead of planned export curbs

Guinea's bauxite production surged 25% in the first quarter of 2026, driven largely by Chinese demand, according to official data released on Tuesday. The increase comes as the government plans to implement export curbs aimed at lifting prices and protecting smaller producers.

Guinea, the world's largest exporter of bauxite-a key feedstock for aluminum-has seen robust output growth, reaching approximately 183 million metric tons in 2025.

More than 70% of Guinea's bauxite is shipped to China, making the West African nation critical to Beijing's aluminum supply chain.

According to data from the mines ministry, Guinea's bauxite exports reached about 60.9 million tons between January and March this year, up 25.3% from 48.6 million tons during the same period last year.

The data indicates that quarterly exports were driven mainly by Chinese-linked producers, despite weak aluminum exports from China. Societe Miniere de Boke (SMB) led with 18 million tons, while China's state-owned Chalco shipped 8 million tons, a 35% increase. Other major contributors included China's Hongqiao-controlled AGB2A/SDM, CBG, and AMC, the data showed.

Shipments have remained strong so far in April, but CRU expects bauxite production growth to slow sharply later in 2026 as the government moves forward with export curbs, according to a CRU analyst.

CRU also anticipates that the government's export restrictions, combined with seasonal disruptions, high fuel costs, and production cuts by some miners, will dampen production growth in the latter part of 2026.