Estimated U.S. Consumption Of Bauxite, By Industry

This table presents the estimated consumption of bauxite in the United States, categorized by industry sectors. Bauxite, the primary ore of aluminum, is a critical raw material for various industrial applications, most notably in the production of alumina, which is then refined into aluminum metal. Tracking consumption by industry provides valuable insight into economic activity and industrial demand, reflecting trends in manufacturing, construction, and other sectors reliant on aluminum and related products. This data is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts to understand resource utilization, plan for supply chain needs, and assess the health of industries dependent on bauxite.

The data indicates a notable decline in total bauxite consumption from 2,800 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 2,200 thousand metric tons in 2022, representing a 21% decrease. This reduction is primarily driven by a significant drop in the alumina sector, where consumption fell from 2,600 thousand metric tons to 2,000 thousand metric tons, a decrease of approximately 23%. In contrast, consumption in the "Other" category, which includes chemical and refractory uses, remained steady at 200 thousand metric tons for both years. The downward trend in alumina-related bauxite consumption may reflect shifts in domestic aluminum production, changes in import patterns, or broader economic factors affecting demand. Overall, the data highlights a contraction in bauxite use within the U.S. alumina industry during this period.