Aluminum Production Industry Profile

Companies in this industry process and manufacture alumina, aluminum, and aluminum products. Major companies include Alcoa (US), Chalco (China), Hindalco Industries (India), Norsk Hydro (Norway), Rio Tinto (UK), and RUSAL (Russia).

The worldwide production of primary aluminum totaled about 70 million metric tons in 2022, according to the US Geological Survey. The largest aluminum producers are China, India, Russia, and Canada, among other countries.

The US aluminum production industry includes about 450 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $40 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand comes largely from manufacturers of durable goods such as motor vehicles, aircraft, food packaging containers, building and construction, and electrical generators. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations, because aluminum products are commodities sold based on price. Big companies have economies of scale in production. Accordingly, most producers of secondary products buy raw metal from the large producers. Small companies can compete by serving regional markets or producing specialty products. The US industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 85% of revenue.

Imports make up about 50% of the US aluminum market. Canada is the largest supplier to the US, followed by China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Aluminum exports, mainly to Canada and Mexico, account for about 20% of US production.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major sources of revenue include semi-fabricated products like aluminum sheet, plate, and foil (about 40% ...