Alumina Market By Product, Application, End-User, & Region for 2024 to 2031

Alumina Market-Valuation-2024-2031 Alumina market size was estimated to be valued at USD 33.08 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 48.87 Billion by 2031. The rising demand from the automobile & building and construction sectors is one of the major drivers behind the expansion of the global alumina market. The alumina market is anticipated to rise significantly over the projected period as a consequence of high rises in construction investment in industrialized and developing nations as an outcome of rapid urbanization & wealth creation.

The growing production of electric cars is a major driver for the alumina market. The increasing sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are projected to enable the market to grow at a

(CAGR) of 5% from 2024 to 2031.

Alumina Market: Definition/Overview

Alumina is a white, powdery material composed of aluminum and oxygen. It is the most prevalent kind of aluminum oxide and occurs naturally in minerals such as sapphire and ruby. It is used in a variety of technical applications, such as those involving anti-corrosion materials, wear- and abrasion-resistant components, and the electronics sector. Alumina is a cost-effective substance. The quality attributes of alumina include great durability, brightness, minimal heat radiation, and good stability at high temperatures.

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What Factors are Driving the Growth of Activated Alumina Market?

Rapid urbanization around the world increases demand for construction materials such as aluminum, which in turn stimulates demand for alumina as the major raw ingredient. Also, expenditures in infrastructure development projects such as bridges, buildings, and transportation networks increase the demand for aluminum, and thus alumina.

The increased emphasis on fuel efficiency and pollution reduction in the transportation sector has resulted in the greater use of lightweight materials such as aluminum in automobiles. This tendency is especially strong in the automobile and aerospace industries, where weight reduction directly correlates with increased fuel efficiency and performance. This shift towards lighter materials is likely to increase demand for alumina, which is a crucial building ingredient in aluminum production.

Growing awareness regarding environmental sustainability and recycling practices is likely to benefit the alumina market as this metal requires less energy for recycling aluminum compared to primary production.

With the rising demand for packaged goods, particularly in the beverage sector, the alumina market sees growth. As the aluminum cans are used for packaging of beverages, there is a huge demand generated for the alumina in the aluminum manufacturing industry.

Also, the demand for lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance materials are surging in the aerospace industry. Thus, making alumina a valuable commodity in the aerospace applications.

What are the Primary Challenges Faced During the Production of Alumina?

Bauxite residue, or red mud, is a primary byproduct of alumina manufacturing. This residue is very alkaline and contains hazardous components, which pose environmental risks if not adequately controlled. Red mud disposal and storage necessitate special rules and responsible procedures, which raise costs and create obstacles for manufacturers, ultimately limiting market expansion.

Stringent environmental regulations regarding emissions and waste disposal in alumina refining processes is surging compliance costs. Thus, the investments in technology and process for meeting these regulations is constantly skyrocketing.

In addition to this, the production of alumina is energy-intensive, particularly in the Bayer process. Thus, volatile energy prices is significantly impacting production costs, affecting the overall competitiveness of alumina producers.

While alumina is the dominant material in a variety of applications, new materials are emerging that could provide a challenge. For example, in the filtration segment, zeolites and activated carbon are becoming more popular as filtering media because they have qualities similar to alumina. This competition put a strain on alumina prices and market share in some application categories.

Category-Wise Acumens

What are the Factors Driving the Demand for the Aluminum Production segment?

The aluminum production segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Aluminum production needs a significant amount of alumina, accounting for 85-90% of total global alumina production. This is because alumina is the principal raw material used to produce aluminum through the electrolytic reduction process. This widespread use of aluminum in a variety of industries, including transportation, building, and packaging, generates a constant need for alumina to meet aluminum production requirements.

Moreover, aluminum's global demand is predicted to rise further due to its flexible qualities and many applications. The growing demand for lightweight and durable materials in industries such as automotive and aerospace fuels the need for increased aluminum production, which drives demand for alumina.

How does the High Demand for Refined Fuels Contribute to Demand in the Oil & Gas Sector?

The oil & gas sector is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The oil and gas sector uses alumina at various phases of the production process. It is used as a catalyst in refineries to break down crude oil into petrol, diesel and other fuels. Alumina is also used in petrochemical production to help make plastics, synthetic fibers, and other useful items. The demand for these products is expected to stay high, hence the requirement for alumina in the Oil & Gas sector is likely to continue.

Environmental regulations and the search for cleaner energy sources are driving up demand for hydrocracking and hydrotreating operations in refineries. These procedures use alumina catalysts to eliminate contaminants and improve product quality, which may contribute to higher alumina consumption in the energy sector.

Moreover, the exploration and production of shale gas require hydraulic fracturing, generally known as fracking. In this method, alumina is utilized as a proppant, which is a substance that maintains fractures open for efficient gas extraction. The expansion of the shale gas industry, especially in North America, increases the significance of the Oil & Gas segment in the alumina market.

Country/Region-wise Acumens

How does the Asia Pacific Region Influence the Market of Alumina??

Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the alumina market during the forecast period due to the rising acceptance by the market. Nations including China, India, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea are constantly promoting electric automobiles. Also, with supportive governmental policies and central planning, China produces more than half of the world's primary aluminum. Several nations are concentrating on the wastewater treatment sector to lessen water constraints, which boosts the overall growth of the alumina market.

Furthermore, the important development factors influencing the alumina market in the Asia Pacific region are the presence of established businesses, the prevalence of emerging economies, the combined demand from the electronics and automotive sectors, and the growing preference for LED lighting.

What Factors are Driving the Market Growth in the North America?

Alumina is the principal raw material used in the manufacturing of aluminum. The growing demand for aluminum in a variety of industries, including construction, transportation, and packaging, is boosting the alumina market in North America.

Alumina is commonly employed as a filter media in water treatment applications, and the growing emphasis on water quality is likely to stimulate demand for alumina in North America.

Additionally, governments and municipalities are investing in improving and expanding water treatment plants to fulfil stricter standards and provide safe drinking water to their populations. This trend is projected to open up major potential opportunities for the regional alumina market.

Competitive Landscape

The alumina market is intensely competitive, fueled by rapid technological breakthroughs and rising demand for high-performance energy storage solutions. Market competitors are constantly striving to improve the efficiency, safety, and overall performance of Infusion pumps to satisfy the changing needs of various applications, resulting in a dynamic and competitive environment within the sector.

Some of the prominent players operating in the alumina market include:

AnPhat Holdings, Avantium, BASF, Biotec, Braskem, Futerro, iome Bioplastics, Kaneka Takasago, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Matrica S.p.A., Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Corporation, NatureWorks LLC, Novamont S.p.A., Plantic Technologies, PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd., SABIC, Solvay, SUPLA, Taghleef Industries, TEIJIN LIMITED, Toray Industries, Inc., Total Corbion, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Trinseo S.A.

Latest Developments

In February 2024, Alcoa entered into an acquisition agreement with Alumina Limited (Australia) to further strengthen its foothold as a global leader in bauxite and alumina production.

In September 2020, BASF SE announced the launch of a series of new product innovations to expand its range of selective hydrogenation catalysts. The company's latest palladium alumina catalysts provide robust tolerance to Sulphur impurities.

In November 2020, the second production line of the Huasheng, China-based Aluminium Corporation of China Ltd.'s alumina refinery began operation. The firm will be able to produce more alumina thanks to the new manufacturing line, which will also help it gain more market share.

In June 2020, for its refineries in the Western Australian bauxite mines of Pinjarra and Huntly, Alcoa of Australia announced expansion plans. This will aid the business in satisfying the rising customer demand for alumina in the Australian and Asia-Pacific regions.