Which Country Imports the Most Alumina in the World?

In 2016, the amount of alumina imported worldwide totaled 87M tonnes, approximately mirroring the previous year figure. In general, alumina imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2012, when it surged by 6% y-o-y. Global alumina import peaked in 2016, and are likely to continue its growth in the near future.

In value terms, alumina imports amounted to $13B in 2016. In general, alumina imports continue to indicate a slight descent. Global alumina import peaked of $17B in 2008; however, from 2009 to 2016, it stood at a somewhat lower level.

Top Alumina Importing Countries in the World

1. United Arab Emirates (1,380.4 million USD)

2. Russia (1,326.5 million USD)

3. Canada (1,207.7 million USD)

4. China (933.6 million USD)

5. Norway (662.2 million USD)

6. Bahrain (433.9 million USD)

7. India (433.7 million USD)

8. Brazil (37.4 million USD)

9. Australia (13.1 million USD)

10. Ireland (3.5 million USD)

11. Jamaica (0.0 million USD)

12. Suriname (0.0 million USD)

Alumina Imports By Country

In 2016, Australia (19M tonnes), distantly followed by Brazil (9.7M tonnes), United Arab Emirates (5.1M tonnes), Russia (4.9M tonnes), Canada (4.8M tonnes), and Jamaica (4.4M tonnes) represented the key importers of alumina, together mixed up 55% of total imports. China (3.1M tonnes), Norway (2.5M tonnes), India (2.3M tonnes), Suriname (2.3M tonnes), Ireland (2M tonnes), and Bahrain (1.8M tonnes) took the slight share of total imports.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of alumina imports, among the main importing countries, was attained by United Arab Emirates (+12.6% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, United Arab Emirates ($1.4B), Russia ($1.3B) and Canada ($1.2B) appeared as the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2016, with a combined 29% share of global imports.China, Norway, Bahrain, India, Brazil, Australia, Ireland, Jamaica and Suriname lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 19%.

India (+11.0% per year) recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the alumina imports, among the main importing countries, over the last 9 year period, while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Alumina Import Prices By Country

The average alumina import price stood at $153 per tonne in 2016, shrinking by -12.1% against the previous year. In general, alumina import price continues to indicate a measured drop. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010, when it surged by 24% y-o-y. Global alumina import peaked of $209 per tonne in 2008; however, from 2009 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

There were significant differences in the average import prices amongst major importing countries. In 2016, the country with the highest import prices was China ($305 per tonne), while Suriname ($0 per kg) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of alumina import prices was attained by India (+4.0% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Do you want to know more about global alumina market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• alumina market share
• alumina prices
• alumina industry
• alumina sales
• alumina import
• alumina export
• alumina market forecast
• alumina price forecast
• key alumina producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 2818 - Aluminium oxide (including artificial corundum); aluminium hydroxide.

Source: World: Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025