US alumina imports jump 32% in 2025 as Jamaica’s exports double
In 2025, the US alumina story begins with rising imports-but it quickly reveals a system under strain. US alumina imports surged to 1.77 million tonnes in 2025, up 32 per cent from 1.34 million tonnes in 2024, reversing a marginal 1 per cent dip from 1.36 million tonnes in 2023. It reads like a rebound-but is it really a recovery story, or does it signal a deeper structural shift?
The movement through the year adds intrigue. Alumina imports rose consistently through the first three quarters of 2025 before reversing sharply in the final quarter. Volumes reached 439,000 tonnes in Q1, increasing to 466,000 tonnes in Q2, up 6 per cent quarter on quarter, and climbed further to 506,000 tonnes in Q3, marking an 8 per cent rise. However, this upward trajectory broke in Q4, with imports falling sharply to 361,000 tonnes, down 29 per cent from the previous quarter. Despite this decline, fourth-quarter volumes were still 2 per cent higher than in the same period of 2024.
Shrinking domestic refining base drives import reliance
Unlock full access – sign up for FREE.
Key benefits
WEEKLY: Chinese spot alumina prices soften on rising availability
Next articleChalieco signs EPC update for 1 million tonne alumina project in Indonesia
Grow with
AL Circle
