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This table presents estimated production quantities and values for aluminum oxide and silicon carbide abrasives in the United States and Canada, highlighting their economic and industrial significance. These materials are critical in various manufacturing processes, including grinding, polishing, and cutting applications, and serve both abrasive and nonabrasive purposes. Tracking production volumes and market values provides insight into supply trends, industrial demand, and the health of related sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing.
In 2024, aluminum oxide production remained steady at 25,000 metric tons, consistent with 2023 levels, but its estimated value increased significantly from $3.4 million to $4.59 million, indicating a notable rise in market price or product quality. Conversely, silicon carbide production decreased from 45,000 metric tons in 2023 to 40,000 metric tons in 2024, yet its value saw a modest increase from $28.8 million to $29.4 million. This suggests a shift toward higher-value grades or increased demand despite lower output. It is important to note that the silicon carbide data reflects only U.S. production, while aluminum oxide figures include both countries. These trends underscore evolving market dynamics and the strategic importance of these abrasives in North American industry.
| TABLE 2 | ||||||||
| ESTIMATED PRODUCTION OF ALUMINUM OXIDE AND SILICON CARBIDE ABRASIVES | ||||||||
| IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA1 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| Quantity2, 3 | Value2 | Quantity2, 3 | Value2 | |||||
| Product | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | ||||
| Aluminum oxide4 | 25000 | 3400 | 25000 | 4590 | ||||
| Silicon carbide5, 6 | 45000 | 28800 | 40000 | 29400 | ||||
1Table includes data available through May 29, 2025. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits.
2Owing to rounding, data do not match total quarterly Mineral Industry Surveys estimated data.
3Quantities are rounded to the nearest 5,000 metric tons to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.
4Regular grade accounts for about 62% of total output, and high-purity material accounts for the remainder.
5Approximately one-half of the quantity and value consists of material for metallurgical and other nonabrasive applications.
6Only includes United States production.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Abrasives, Manufactured statistics | Mineral commodity prices