A recent market report from Future Market Insights (FMI) has estimates the USA and Canada alumina market valuation to be at USD 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 USD 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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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) | USD 3,182.5 million |
| USA and Canada Alumina Demand (2022E) | USD 3,324.8 million |
| USA and Canada Alumina Market Projections (2032F) | USD 5,491.3 million |
| Market Value CAGR (2022 to 2032) | 5.1% |
| Collective Value Share: Top 3 regions (2022E) | 62.5% |
Principal Consultant
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.
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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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 USD 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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
| 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 |
Threats from substitutes like zirconium, zirconium oxide, and silicon carbide restrict market growth.
The development of cutting-edge technology is anticipated to increase the demand.
Demand for durable structures in the automotive industry to push demand in the market.
Integrated primary aluminum production systems provide key applications in the market.
The United States is estimated to drive the market.
1. Executive Summary | USA and Canada Alumina Market 2. Market Overview 3. Key Market Trends 4. Key Success Factors 5. USA and Canada Market Demand Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast, 2022 to 2032 6. USA and Canada Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD million) Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast, 2022 to 2032 7. USA and Canada Market – Pricing Analysis 8. Market Background 9. USA and Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, by Grade 9.1. Metallurgical Grade 9.2. Refractory Grade 9.3. Grinding Grade 10. USA and Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Application 10.1. Aluminium Production 10.2. Abrasives 10.3. Ceramics 10.4. Refractories 10.5. Others 11. USA and Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, by Region 11.1. United States 11.2. Canada 12. United States Market Analysis 2017 to 2032 and Forecast 2022 to 2032 13. Canada Market Analysis 2017 to 2032 and Forecast 2022 to 2032 14. Market Structure Analysis 15. Competition Analysis 15.1. REFRACTRON TECHNOLOGIES CORP 15.2. USA Electrofused Minerals, Inc. 15.3. Washington Mills North Grafton, Inc. 15.4. Great Lakes Minerals, LLC 15.5. Calix Ceramic Solutions 15.6. Illinois Valley Minerals (IVM) 15.7. Cer–Met, Inc. 15.8. Aluchem of Little Rock and Metal Exchange Corporation. 15.9. NatureWorks LLC. 15.10. Polar Sapphire Ltd. 15.11. Rio Tinto Group 15.12. Alcoa Corporation 15.13. ALUMINERIE ALOUETTE INC. 16. Assumptions and Acronyms Used 17. Research Methodology
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USA and Canada Alumina Market
