Compared to the 73.4 million tons shipped during the same period in 2024, this year’s exports were significantly higher, with over 60% handled by Chinese-affiliated companies operating across Guinea’s rapidly expanding ports.
China’s aluminum output also rose by 4.0%, reaching 18.59 million tons between January and May 2025. The increase is attributed to government-led infrastructure spending and a revival in manufacturing, which have boosted the need for bauxite—a key aluminum ingredient—according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics.
Producing about 60% of the world’s aluminum, China uses the metal heavily in construction, packaging, and transportation. The uptick in Guinea’s bauxite shipments aligns with the anticipated launch of the Simandou iron ore project, largely owned by Chinese interests. This trend underscores Guinea’s growing export reliance on China, as Western nations struggle to establish a comparable foothold.
Among the major players, China’s CHALCO shipped 8.9 million tons, CDM-CHINE accounted for 4.1 million, and SPIC contributed 1.8 million. Leading the pack was SMB, backed by Chinese investors, with a commanding 31.2 million tons exported.