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Guinea’s bauxite exports jumped to 60.9 million tons in the first quarter of 2026, up 25.3% from 48.6 million tons a year earlier, according to official data seen by Reuters. The increase was driven mainly by Chinese-linked producers, even as the government prepares export restrictions to support prices and smaller miners.
The West African country, the world’s largest exporter of bauxite, shipped about 183 million metric tons in 2025 and remains central to China’s aluminium supply chain. More than 70% of Guinea’s bauxite is exported to China, making demand from Chinese buyers a key factor in output trends.
Mines Minister Bouna Sylla said in March that the government planned export curbs by April to lift prices after weak demand squeezed margins, especially for smaller miners. Authorities have warned that falling prices could push some operators toward bankruptcy and threaten jobs, government revenue and host communities.
Societe Miniere de Boke, or SMB, led shipments with 18 million tons in the quarter, while state-owned Chalco shipped 8 million tons, up 35%. Other major contributors included China’s Hongqiao-controlled AGB2A/SDM, CBG and AMC, according to the data.
Analyst Anthony Everiss of CRU said Guinean free-on-board bauxite prices were at their lowest since March 2022, at about 32 to 38 dollars per ton. He said production growth is likely to slow later in 2026 as export curbs, seasonal disruptions, high fuel costs and cuts by some miners weigh on output.
