Learning about the aluminum production from countries around the world offers insight into the important industrial metal, which is used in a wide range of essential applications globally.
The reason aluminum is one of the most in-demand industrial metals is its versatility. The metal is non-toxic and lightweight; it also has a high thermal conductivity, is resistant to corrosion and can be easily cast, machined and formed. Aluminum is the second most malleable metal and sixth most ductile, and it is non-magnetic and non-sparking.
This wide array of benefits means aluminum is used in a huge variety of products, including cans, foils, kitchen utensils, window frames, beer kegs and airplane parts. It also has new applications that make it an important element in the green transition.
According to the US Geological Survey, “As a general rule, 4 tons of dried bauxite is required to produce 2 tons of alumina, which, in turn, can be used to produce 1 ton of aluminum.” There are other sources of alumina, including clay and oil shale, but they are not economical at a commercial scale.
In terms of bauxite production, Australia was the world’s largest producer in 2023 at 98 million metric tons of bauxite, closely followed by Guinea at 97 million MT and China at 93 million MT. Brazil and India round out the top five with 31 million and 23 million metric tons of bauxite respectively.
The next step is processing bauxite ore into alumina. China is by far the world’s largest alumina producer, accounting for nearly 59 percent of the world’s production at 82 million metric tons. The next largest alumina producing country, Australia, accounts for more than 13 percent of global supply with 19 million MT. Brazil, India and Russia round out the top five.
Aluminum production: 41 million metric tons
First on this list of aluminum-producing countries is China, which produced 41 million metric tons of aluminum in 2023, more than half of total global production. China also consumes a considerable amount of aluminum.
Aluminum production 4.1 million metric tons
The second largest aluminum producer is India, which produced 4.1 million metric tons of aluminum in 2023. India has also seen its output grow consistently in recent years. In 2021, its production totaled 3.97 million MT, overtaking Russia, and over the past two years, India has increased its aluminum production even further.
Aluminum production: 3.8 million metric tons
Last year, Russia produced 3.8 million metric tons of aluminum, up slightly from the 3.7 million MT it put out in 2022. Leading global aluminum producer RUSAL is headquartered in Moscow.
Aluminum production: 3 million metric tons
Canada was again the leading supplier of imported aluminum for the US in 2023, accounting for more than half of all imports.
Aluminum production: 2.7 million metric tons
Fifth on this list of aluminum-producing countries is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which produced 2.7 million metric tons. Aluminum production in the UAE has remained steady over the last few years, and came in at 2.65 million MT in 2022.
Emirates Global Aluminum is the largest aluminum producer in the Middle East and contributes nearly 4 percent of all global aluminum. The UAE was the source of 8 percent of US aluminum imports in 2023.
Aluminum production: 1.6 million metric tons
Aluminum production: 1.5 million metric tons
Aluminum production: 1.3 million metric tons
Aluminum production: 1.1 million metric tons
Brazil’s aluminum output in 2023 rose by more than 35 percent over the previous year to reach 1.1 million MT, and displace the United States from the ninth top spot for global production.
Aluminum production: 980,000 metric tons
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Leave a Reply