Aluminum - Production, Reserves & Supply Concentration
Lightweight metal used in transport, packaging, construction and electricity networks.The series covers primary aluminum smelter output. Bauxite extraction and alumina refining are shown in the bauxite profile.
Aluminum Global Production & Country Share
Measure: Smelter production (thousand metric tons)
Aluminum Production by Country (2020-2025)
Smelter production · Unit: thousand metric tons
| Rank | Country | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e | Share | 5Y Chg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | China | 37,100 | 38,900 | 40,200 | 41,000 | 44,000 | 45,000 | 60.8% | +21.3% |
| #2 | India | 3,560 | 3,970 | 4,100 | 4,100 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 5.7% | +18.0% |
| #3 | Russia | 3,640 | 3,640 | 3,720 | 3,800 | 3,880 | 3,900 | 5.3% | +7.1% |
| #4 | Canada | 3,120 | 3,140 | 2,770 | 3,000 | 3,320 | 3,300 | 4.5% | +5.8% |
| #5 | United Arab Emirates | 2,520 | 2,540 | 2,650 | 2,700 | 2,690 | 2,700 | 3.6% | +7.1% |
| #6 | Bahrain | 1,550 | 1,560 | 1,600 | 1,600 | 1,620 | 1,600 | 2.2% | +3.2% |
| #7 | Australia | 1,580 | 1,570 | 1,510 | 1,500 | 1,570 | 1,500 | 2.0% | -5.1% |
| #8 | Norway | 1,330 | 1,400 | 1,400 | 1,300 | 1,300 | 1,300 | 1.8% | -2.3% |
| #9 | Brazil | - | - | 811 | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,200 | 1.6% | - |
| #10 | Malaysia | - | - | 900 | 980 | 1,050 | 1,100 | 1.5% | - |
| #11 | Iceland | 860 | 750 | 720 | 730 | 742 | 750 | 1.0% | -12.8% |
| #12 | United States | 1,012 | 889 | 861 | 750 | 676 | 660 | 0.9% | -34.8% |
| - | World Total | 65,100 | 67,500 | 68,400 | 70,000 | 72,800 | 74,000 | 100.0% | +13.7% |
U.S. Supply, Consumption & Net Import Reliance (2021-2025)
| Salient Measure | Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum: Production: Primary | thousand metric tons | 889 | 861 | 750 | 676 | 660 |
| Aluminum: Production: Secondary (from old scrap) | thousand metric tons | 1,520 | 1,480 | 1,560 | 1,560 | 1,600 |
| Aluminum: Production: Secondary (from new scrap) | thousand metric tons | 1,780 | 1,920 | 1,870 | 2,120 | 2,000 |
| Aluminum: Imports for consumption: Crude and semi-fabricated products | thousand metric tons | 4,940 | 5,730 | 4,900 | 4,840 | 4,400 |
| Aluminum: Imports for consumption: Scrap | thousand metric tons | 679 | 685 | 677 | 700 | 890 |
| Aluminum: Exports: Crude and semi-fabricated products | thousand metric tons | 900 | 1,040 | 1,240 | 1,360 | 890 |
| Aluminum: Exports: Scrap | thousand metric tons | 1,930 | 1,720 | 1,780 | 2,100 | 2,200 |
| Aluminum: Consumption, apparent | thousand metric tons | 6,240 | 6,910 | 6,210 | 5,830 | 5,700 |
| Aluminum: Employment, number | number | 28,900 | 30,200 | 30,500 | 29,900 | 30,000 |
| Aluminum: U.S. Net Import Reliance | % of consumption | 61% | 66% | 63% | 62% | 60% |
Frequently Asked Questions - Aluminum
Which country leads aluminum production (smelter production)?
China leads the 2025 USGS country table for smelter production, with 45,000 thousand metric tons (estimated) (60.8% of the reported world total). World output was 74,000 thousand metric tons in 2025.
Does USGS publish a country reserve ranking for aluminum?
The USGS chapter describes the available reserve information. The series covers primary aluminum smelter output. Bauxite extraction and alumina refining are shown in the bauxite profile.
What is US net import reliance and import sourcing for aluminum?
In 2025, US net import reliance was reported at 60% (Net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption). Across 2021-24, leading US import sources (All) were Canada (56%), United Arab Emirates (8%), Bahrain (4%).
How is aluminum classified on the US Critical Minerals List and what are its primary uses?
Status: Listed on 2025 US List (2022 & 2025 lists). Primary applications cited in USGS summaries include: Metallurgy, transport, power transmission lines, packaging, and construction. Primary aluminum metal is produced in electrolytic smelters from alumina, which is refined from bauxite ore. Secondary recovery from new and old scrap provides a separate stream of metal supply.