Guinea recorded a 25% increase in bauxite output in the first quarter of 2026, driven largely by strong demand from China, according to official data released Tuesday, April 28.
The world’s leading exporter of bauxite—an essential raw material for aluminium—saw exports rise to 60.9 million tonnes between January and March 2026, up from 48.6 million tonnes during the same period in 2025.
Overall, production reached approximately 183 million tonnes in 2025, underscoring sustained growth in the sector. Despite robust shipments, the government is preparing to introduce export curbs aimed at stabilising prices and safeguarding smaller producers, who have been squeezed by weaker global demand. More than 70% of Guinea’s bauxite exports are destined for China, reinforcing the country’s strategic role in global aluminium supply chains.
Analysts note that bauxite prices have declined to between $32 and $38 per tonne—the lowest since March 2022—while shipments remain strong into April. However, production growth is expected to slow later in 2026 due to planned export restrictions, seasonal disruptions, rising fuel costs and potential output cuts by some miners.
Authorities are also considering tax reforms and policy measures to encourage greater investment in infrastructure, including rail, ports and domestic refining capacity, as part of a broader effort to deepen value addition within the sector.