BFA, bauxite prices rise on China’s environmental controls; freight costs support WFA uptick

By DAVIDE GHILOTTI, SYBIL PAN 
Published: Friday, 27 November 2020

Brown fused alumina (BFA) and refractory-grade bauxite prices climbed in the latest fortnightly pricing session on Thursday November 26 due to support from environmental regulations in China for the winter months, while the Chinese white fused alumina (WFA) assessment rose by 5% on the low end amid fast-rising container freight rates.

The consistent appreciation of the yuan against the dollar also continued to add support for the markets for all three commodities from China.

The yuan was trading at 6.57 yuan to the dollar on November 26, compared with 6.62 yuan to $1 on November 12.

Chinese bauxite, fused alumina prices boosted by supply concerns

By DAVIDE GHILOTTI, SYBIL PAN

Published: Monday, 28 December 2020

Both bauxite and fused alumina prices jumped during the two weeks to Thursday December 24, with supply tightness continuing to affect the market amid ongoing winter closure restrictions and additional supply issues related to power availability and land transport, in addition to soaring freight costs on the main routes from China to Europe.