Canada’s alumina import is estimated to rise further in 2017

Canada is one of the leading aluminium producers in the Americas. It is the third-ranked producer of aluminium in the world supported by technologically sound aluminium smelters run on cheaper hydropower. Based on year-to-date average daily production of 8,820 metric tons, the annual projection of aluminium production for Canada stands at 3,219,190 metric tons. Rio Tinto has the largest aluminium smelters in Canada. The country imports the largest part of its alumina to feed its smelters. Rio Tinto owned Vaudreuil refinery, Jonquiere and Quebec refineries produce about 1.56 million tonnes of alumina and the rest of its demand is filled by import.  

As our data shows, Canada imported about 3.42 million tonnes of alumina in 2015. The amount jumped up in 2016 to reach 4.64 million tonnes. In 2017, the amount is estimated to be about 5.48 million tonnes.  Since, the major aluminium smelters in Canada are boosting their production on bullish automotive demand in North America and rising aluminium prices, the outlook for alumina import is projected to be positive for the current year.

The cost of the total alumina import stood at USD 980 million and USD 1.14 billion in 2015 and 2016 respectively.  In 2017, the cost of import is estimated to increase to USD 1.62 billion if alumina price goes up along with aluminium production boost.

{googleAdsense}

As shown by the data for 2016, the top alumina exporting countries to Canada are Brazil, Australia, and Jamaica.  Canada is working on increasing aluminium productivity and lowering operational costs which might further boost alumina import by the country.