USA and Canada Alumina Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

A recent market report from Future Market Insights (FMI) has estimates the USA and Canada alumina market valuation to be at US$ 3,324.8 million in 2022. Sales prospects for the chemical are expected to witness a steady growth at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period 2022 to 2032. The market is projected to top a valuation of US$ 5,491.3 million by 2032-end.

Aluminum oxide, also known as alumina or Al2O3, is a synthetic compound that is used as a raw material for the smelting of aluminum metal. Its popularity can be attributed to its property as an active compound in chemical processing and as a raw material for a variety of innovative ceramic applications.

Bauxite, a naturally occurring mineral that contains varying proportions of hydrous (water-containing) aluminum oxides, is used to make alumina, and finda important use in industrial applications.

Free Al2O3 may be produced synthetically from alumina and is found in nature as the mineral corundum. Its gemstone forms, sapphire and ruby, are used extensively in industrial ceramics, aluminum metallurgy, and chemical processing.

An increase in the demand for aluminum, refractories, ceramics, and chemicals from various end-use industries including automotive, construction, defense, and aerospace is fueling the demand for alumina in the USA and Canada. The Southern region of the USA and Central Canada remain prominent for the consumption volume of alumina.

Alumina is used in the production of numerous endurance ceramics, such as those used in electrical insulators, cutting tools, and wear-resistant components. It also finds broad applicability in refractories. Refractories are materials used provide lining for high-temperature furnaces and other industrial equipment.

New production technologies are also having a highly beneficial impact on alumina production processes. The rising use of renewable energy sources is one such key practice towards the end of sustainability in its industrial production.

Development of more efficient and sustainable production processes are have increased the efficiency and cost-efficacy of alumina production. This is likely to help alumina retain its competitiveness with other raw materials and drive growth in the market.

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Key Trends in the Market Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI)

  • Increasing demand for aluminum in critical industries like healthcare and military is driving growth in the alumina market.
  • The development of new applications for alumina, such as in the production of lithium-ion batteries and advanced ceramics, is expected to drive future growth.
  • Sustainability and environmental concerns are helped by favorable government regulations and are becoming increasingly important in the alumina industry, with a focus on reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
  • Rising energy and raw material costs are leading to consolidation and infrastructure redevelopment within the aluminium industry, with a focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.
  • Technological advancements, such as automation and digitalization, are being adopted to improve production of high-purity alumina.
  • The alumina market is likely to face challenges from alternative materials, such as carbon fibers and composite materials, which offer advantages in weight, strength, and corrosion resistance.

2017 to 2021 USA and Canada Alumina Market Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2022 to 2032

The market of alumina had witnessed about 1.2% CAGR in the historical period 2017 to 2021. Demand for alumina has been growing owing to the consistent production of aluminum.

Based on the current estimations, the market of alumina in the North American region is to witness a growth outlook of about 5.1% over the period of 2022 and 2032. Increasing consumption of alumina is owed primarily to the need for aluminum in the defense construction, and automotive industries.

The growing electric vehicles (EV) sector has also substantially added to the growth seen in the USA and Canada alumina market over the last few years. EVs require more aluminum than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This is because there is higher need of lightweight materials in the body and frame which helps cancel out the weight of the battery installations. This is driving demand for aluminum and, subsequently, alumina.

Attributes Key Insights
USA and Canada Alumina Sales (2021A) US$ 3,182.5 million
USA and Canada Alumina Demand (2022E) US$ 3,324.8 million
USA and Canada Alumina Market Projections (2032F) US$ 5,491.3 million
Market Value CAGR (2022 to 2032) 5.1%
Collective Value Share: Top 3 regions (2022E) 62.5%
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What Factors will Drive Growth in the USA and Canada Alumina Market?

The growth of the USA and Canada alumina market is expressedly driven by its increasing demand in aluminum production, and automotive, construction, and chemical industries.

Sustainability Concerns to Drive Innovations in the Market, While Raising Affordability

The development of cutting-edge technology is anticipated to increase the demand for different grades of alumina. The ecologically friendly, technically practical, and energy-efficient goods are expected to be the driving forces behind the introduction of different grades of alumina in the market.

Supportive governmental legislations are also being introduced to meet the need for flexible, high-resolution, large-panel LCD TVs in the USA. The country has implemented a number of rules to increase the domestic manufacture of chemical-grade alumina.

Adaptability and Ease of Handling Calcined-grade Alumina to Drive Demand in the Ceramic Manufacturing Sector

Advanced ceramics are primarily made with calcined grade alumina. The substance is the preferred material for ceramic manufacturing because of its ease of mixing with other batch preparations.

Calcined-grade alumina also has the capacity to control and distribute particle size, excellent power insulation, high strength, continuous dielectric loss, and is corrosion-resistant. Alumina components are also easy to handle and process using a number of chemical and physical procedures, increasing their potential range of applications.

Tensile Strength and Lightweight Nature of Alumina to Find Increased Application for Healthcare and Military Purposes Alike

The increased usage of alumina in the healthcare and military is predicted to drive growth in the alumina market by 2032. The benefits of alumina include its lightweight and high strength, which increase the effectiveness of chest armor like military breastplates. Adding to its use as armor for vehicles and aircraft, it is also used to make ballistics and bulletproof glass.

The increased geopolitical tension in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is anticipated to raise the USA government spending on military operations and for defense purposes. This will support market growth throughout the projected period.

What Factors are Likely to Impede Market Growth?

Threat from Substitutes such as Zirconium, Zirconium Oxide, and Silicon Carbide could Restrict Market Growth

Standard abrasives like aluminium oxide (Al2O3) are implemented in friction materials to raise the coefficient of friction and maintain the rotor surface's cleanliness. Aluminum oxide is discharged into the environment during operation. This is a result of aluminum's potential for bioaccumulation.

The ability of plant roots to absorb aluminiu oxide’s ionic species in acidic soils is a primary reason why this metal has a clear influence on the environment as well as the development of plants.

Zirconium compounds are used as abrasives in the friction industry despite their higher cost as it does not create environmental hazards. They can be produced artificially, like zirconium oxide, or naturally, as zirconium silicate.

Data published by the Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) demonstrates that zircon products have a lesser environmental effect than Al2O3. Rising use of these substitutes is anticipated to restrain the alumina market.

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Country-wise Insights

What will help USA Retain its Predominant Position in the USA and Canada Alumina Market?

Demand for High-purity Alumina Used in Aluminium Production to Benefit USA Market

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), demand for alumina is expected to remain high in the USA. It is expected to reach US$ 2067.4 million valuation in sales in the country by 2032.

The USA is estimated to be a key importer of Alumina in North America with import volume reaching about 2556 kilotons in 2021. According to Aluminum Association, in 2021, about half of USA downstream commodities were exported to Canada, while more than 75% of Canadian manufacturing was imported to the USA.

Substantial production of aluminum, refractories, and ceramics, strong development in the automotive and construction industries are key driving factors for alumina in the USA market. These factors are expexte to drive total volume of alumina produced in the country to 4395 kilotons by the end of the forecast period.

What is the growth outlook of the Alumina market in Canada?

Use of Renewable Energy in Industrial Production of Aluminium to Elevate Demand in Canada

Canada is anticipated to be a leading country in terms of the consumption of alumina in the North American market. Central Canada has a significant consumption volume owing to numerous primary aluminum production plants.

The consumption of alumina in this region is expected to lead market growth in the country. The estimated CAGR for Central Canada alumina market is 4.8% over the coming assessment period of 2022 to 2032.

Canada is the world's fourth-largest primary aluminum producer following China, India, and Russia. Canadian aluminum manufacturers also have the least carbon footprint among the leading producers in the world. This is because they use mostly hydroelectricity and the most recent technologies that aid sustainable practices. The United States is the most important market for Canadian exports.

All above mentioned factors in the growing aluminum industry are expected to keep creating lucrative opportunities for alumina suppliers during the forecast period in Canada.

Category-wise Insights

What factors are boosting the demand for the Metallurgical grade of Alumina?

Demand for Durable Structures in the Automotive Industry to Push Demand in the Market

Bauxite is the main source of metallurgical-grade alumina, which is used to make aluminum metal. About 80-85% of the bauxite mined is processed using the Bayer method to produce alumina trihydrate (ATH). This is then converted into metallurgical grade alumina (MGA), from which aluminum metal is derived.

A variety of aluminum alloys are used in the production of numerous components in the automotive and transportation industries because they are lightweight and durable, lowering a vehicle's weight and, therefore, fuel consumption and controlling greenhouse gas emissions.

As aluminum has excellent electrical conductivity compared to copper, it is used to make a variety of electrical and machinery/equipments. Owing to this, governments all over the globe focus on producing aluminum and increasing their metallurgical grade alumina extraction. Governments also tend to focus on enlarging importing capacities so that they can expand the production of their defense and military equipment sector.

Such trends are anticipated to increase metallurgical grade alumina production capacities, which will further boost the alumina market by the end of the forecast period.

Which is Expected to Be a Key Application Segment for Alumina Market?

Integrated Primary Aluminium Production Systems to Provide Key Applications in the USA and Canada Alumina Market

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), aluminum production is the key application segment for alumina as bauxite is the primary source of aluminum production throughout the world. Bauxite ore, which is derived from laterite soil, is the original source of and is destined for aluminum production must first be transformed into alumina in order to produce aluminum.

Alumina production was distributed between primary aluminum smelters, which received around 55% of it, and non-metallurgical products such as abrasives, ceramics, chemicals, and refractories.

According to the Aluminum Association, about 70% of the 3.6 million metric tonnes of bauxite imported by the United States in 2021 was converted into alumina for use by primary smelters. The remaining 30% of the imports were used for abrasives, cement, and chemicals.

Vertically integrated holding companies that operate bauxite mining, alumina refineries, smelting facilities have become important components in the production process. Such companies engage in the manufacturing of primary aluminum. This strategy offers manufacturers insulation from price changes and assists in securing raw material supply.

As evident, an increase in investments in aluminum production is expected to boost the demand for alumina during the assessment period.

Competitive Landscape

Manufacturers from the USA and Canada are focused on expansion, and mergers for alumina extraction. Key players are concentrated on developing their alumina extraction technology cost-effective, and eco-friendly so they can produce metallurgical grade alumina for aluminum production. They also focus on expanding their geographical footprint and developing a strong distribution network. For Instance,

  • In August, 2022, Alcoa Corporation announced the construction plan for a project to increase the casting capabilities at its Deschambault smelter in Canada to include standard ingots.
  • In May, 2022, Advanced Energy Minerals (AEM) started manufacturing ultra-high purity alumina (HPA) at a full-scale production plant at Cap-Chat, Quebec, Canada, which is marketed under the SupALOX™ brand.

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2022 to 2032
Historical Data Available for 2017 to 2021
Market Analysis USD million for Value and Kilotons for Volume
Key Countries Covered USA, and Canada
Key Segments Covered Grade, Application, and Countries
Key Companies Profiled REFRACTRON TECHNOLOGIES CORP.; USA Electrofused Minerals, Inc.; Washington Mills North Grafton, Inc.; Great Lakes Minerals, LLC; Calix Ceramic Solutions; Illinois Valley Minerals (IVM); Cer-Met, Inc.; Aluchem of Little Rock and Metal Exchange Corporation.; NatureWorks LLC; Polar Sapphire Ltd.; Rio Tinto Group; Alcoa Corporation
Report Coverage

Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives

Alumina Market Segmentation

By Grade:

  • Metallurgical Grade
  • Refractory Grade
  • Grinding Grade
  • Others

By Application:

  • Aluminium Production
  • Abrasives
  • Ceramics
  • Refractories
  • Others
  • Air Treatment

By Country:

  • USA
  • Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

What Restraints the Growth Potential of the Market?

Threats from substitutes like zirconium, zirconium oxide, and silicon carbide restrict market growth.

What Drives Sales of the Market?

The development of cutting-edge technology is anticipated to increase the demand.

Which Factors are boosting the demand for the Metallurgical grade of Alumina?

Demand for durable structures in the automotive industry to push demand in the market.

Which is Expected to be a Key Application Segment for the Alumina Market?

Integrated primary aluminum production systems provide key applications in the market.

Which Country Drives the Global Market?

The United States is estimated to drive the market.

Table of Content

1. Executive Summary | USA and Canada Alumina Market

    1.1. USA and Canada Market Outlook

    1.2. Demand Side Trends

    1.3. Supply Side Trends

    1.4. Analysis and Recommendations

2. Market Overview

    2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy

    2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations

3. Key Market Trends

    3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Market

    3.2. Product Innovation / Development Trends

4. Key Success Factors

    4.1. Product Adoption / Usage Analysis

    4.2. Product USPs / Features

    4.3. Strategic Promotional Strategies

5. USA and Canada Market Demand Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast, 2022 to 2032

    5.1. Historical Market Volume (Kilotons) Analysis, 2017 to 2021

    5.2. Current and Future Market Volume (Kilotons) Projections, 2022 to 2032

    5.3. Y–o–Y Growth Trend Analysis

6. USA and Canada Market Demand (in Value or Size in US$ million) Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast, 2022 to 2032

    6.1. Historical Market Value (US$ million) Analysis, 2017 to 2021

    6.2. Current and Future Market Value (US$ million) Projections, 2022 to 2032

        6.2.1. Y–o–Y Growth Trend Analysis

        6.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis

7. USA and Canada Market – Pricing Analysis

    7.1. Regional Pricing Analysis by Grade

    7.2. Pricing Analysis by Regions

8. Market Background

    8.1. Macroeconomic Factors

    8.2. Forecast Factors

    8.3. Value Chain Analysis

        8.3.1. Raw Material Suppliers

        8.3.2. Product Manufacturers

        8.3.3. List of Probable End-use Industries

    8.4. COVID–19 Crisis – Impact Assessment

        8.4.1. Current Statistics

        8.4.2. Short–Mid–Long Term Outlook

        8.4.3. Likely Rebound

    8.5. Market Dynamics

        8.5.1. Drivers

        8.5.2. Restraints

        8.5.3. Opportunity Analysis

    8.6. Global Supply Demand Analysis

9. USA and Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, by Grade

    9.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    9.2. Historical Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Analysis by Grade, 2017 to 2021

    9.3. Current and Future Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Analysis and Forecast by Grade, 2022 to 2032

        9.3.1. Metallurgical Grade

        9.3.2. Refractory Grade

        9.3.3. Grinding Grade

        9.3.4. Other–Chemicals 9.4. Market Attractiveness Analyses, By Grade

10. USA and Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Application

10.1. Introduction / Key Findings

    10.2. Historical Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Analysis by Application, 2017 to 2021

    10.3. Current and Future Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Analysis and Forecast by Application, 2022 to 2032

        10.3.1. Aluminium Production

        10.3.2. Abrasives

        10.3.3. Ceramics

        10.3.4. Refractories

        10.3.5. Others

    10.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis by Application

11. USA and Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, by Region

    11.1. Introduction

    11.2. Historical Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Analysis by Region, 2017 to 2021

    11.3. Current Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Analysis and Forecast by Region, 2022 to 2032

        11.3.1. United States

        11.3.2. Canada

    11.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis by Region

12. United States Market Analysis 2017 to 2032 and Forecast 2022 to 2032

    12.1. Introduction

    12.2. Pricing Analysis

    12.3. Historical Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Trend Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2017 to 2021

    12.4. Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2022 to 2032

        12.4.1. By Grade

        12.4.2. By Application

        12.4.3. By Country

            12.4.3.1. Northeast

            12.4.3.2. Midwest

            12.4.3.3. South

            12.4.3.4. West

    12.5. Market Attractiveness Analysis

        12.5.1. By Grade

        12.5.2. By Application

        12.5.3. By Country

13. Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2032 and Forecast 2022 to 2032

    13.1. Introduction

    13.2. Pricing Analysis

    13.3. Historical Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Trend Analysis by Market Taxonomy, 2017 to 2021

    13.4. Market Size (US$ million) and Volume Forecast by Market Taxonomy, 2022 to 2032

        13.4.1. By Grade

        13.4.2. By Application

        13.4.3. By Country

            13.4.3.1. The Atlantic Provinces

            13.4.3.2. Central Canada

            13.4.3.3. The West Coast

            13.4.3.4. The Northern Territories

    13.5. Market Attractiveness Analysis

        13.5.1. By Grade

        13.5.2. By Application

        13.5.3. By Country

14. Market Structure Analysis

    14.1. Market Analysis by Tier of Companies (Alumina)

    14.2. Market Concentration

    14.3. Market Share Analysis of Top Players

15. Competition Analysis

    15.1. Competition Dashboard

    15.2. Competition Benchmarking

    15.3. Competition Deep Dive 15.3.1. REFRACTRON TECHNOLOGIES CORP

            15.3.1.1. Overview

            15.3.1.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.1.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.1.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.1.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.2. USA Electrofused Minerals, Inc.

            15.3.2.1. Overview

            15.3.2.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.2.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.2.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.2.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.3. Washington Mills North Grafton, Inc.

            15.3.3.1. Overview

            15.3.3.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.3.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.3.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.3.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.4. Great Lakes Minerals, LLC

            15.3.4.1. Overview

            15.3.4.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.4.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.4.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.4.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.5. Calix Ceramic Solutions 15.3.5.1. Overview

            15.3.5.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.5.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.5.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.5.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.6. Illinois Valley Minerals (IVM)

            15.3.6.1. Overview

            15.3.6.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.6.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.6.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.6.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.7. Cer–Met, Inc.

            15.3.7.1. Overview

            15.3.7.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.7.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.7.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.7.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.8. Aluchem of Little Rock and Metal Exchange Corporation.

            15.3.8.1. Overview

            15.3.8.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.8.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.8.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.8.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.9. NatureWorks LLC.

            15.3.9.1. Overview

            15.3.9.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.9.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.9.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.9.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.10. Polar Sapphire Ltd.

            15.3.10.1. Overview

            15.3.10.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.10.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.10.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.10.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.11. Rio Tinto Group

            15.3.11.1. Overview

            15.3.11.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.11.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.11.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.11.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.12. Alcoa Corporation

            15.3.12.1. Overview

            15.3.12.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.12.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.12.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.12.5. Strategy Overview

        15.3.13. ALUMINERIE ALOUETTE INC.

            15.3.13.1. Overview

            15.3.13.2. Product Portfolio

            15.3.13.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            15.3.13.4. Sales Footprint

            15.3.13.5. Strategy Overview

16. Assumptions and Acronyms Use

17. Research Methodolog

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