Understanding Alumina prices
Raw materials and production
Alumina is aluminium oxide, usually refined from bauxite. It is an intermediate material rather than aluminium metal. Refinery output depends on ore properties, processing equipment and a reliable supply of energy and chemical inputs.
Applications and consumption
Most metallurgical alumina is consumed by aluminium smelters. Other grades serve ceramics, abrasives and refractory products. Specifications distinguish smelter-grade material from specialised industrial alumina, so these products should not be treated as directly interchangeable.
What affects Alumina prices?
Bauxite availability, refinery outages, energy costs and smelter consumption influence alumina prices. Freight and regional trade flows also matter. A change in aluminium smelting capacity can alter demand for alumina even when refinery production remains stable.
How to read Alumina price today
This page follows Alumina in Shanghai Futures Exchange. The price type is Futures settlement, with values expressed in CNY/t. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
Further reading: USGS — commodity statistics and information ↗
Frequently asked questions about Alumina
What is Alumina price today?
The latest available value is 2,613.00 CNY/t, for 10/16/2026. It represents Futures settlement. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
What affects Alumina prices?
Bauxite availability, refinery outages, energy costs and smelter consumption influence alumina prices. Freight and regional trade flows also matter. A change in aluminium smelting capacity can alter demand for alumina even when refinery production remains stable.
What is Alumina used for in everyday life and industry?
Most metallurgical alumina is consumed by aluminium smelters. Other grades serve ceramics, abrasives and refractory products. Specifications distinguish smelter-grade material from specialised industrial alumina, so these products should not be treated as directly interchangeable.
Why can local Alumina prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical Alumina prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.