U.S. Imports Of Aluminum Oxide, Boron Carbide, Silicon Carbide, And Metallic Abrasives, By Country Or Locality And Type

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and customs values of key abrasive materials imported into the United States, including aluminum oxide, boron carbide, silicon carbide, and metallic abrasives, broken down by country or locality and product type. These materials are critical to a wide range of industrial applications such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where they serve as essential components for grinding, cutting, polishing, and refractory uses. Understanding import trends and sources helps stakeholders monitor supply chain dynamics, assess market dependencies, and make informed decisions related to trade policy, industrial planning, and economic forecasting.

Analysis of the 2023 and 2024 data reveals several notable trends. Imports of crude aluminum oxide from China surged from 66,600 metric tons valued at $42.8 million in 2023 to 106,000 metric tons worth $66.3 million in 2024, marking a significant increase in both volume and value. Conversely, Brazil’s ground and refined aluminum oxide imports declined from 11,000 metric tons ($10.5 million) to 6,660 metric tons ($6.38 million). Silicon carbide crude imports from China decreased slightly in volume from 83,200 to 81,000 metric tons but saw a value drop from $71.8 million to $63.4 million. Ground and refined silicon carbide imports showed a modest volume increase overall, driven by Brazil’s rise from 2,770 to 4,450 metric tons and a corresponding value jump to $9.11 million. Boron carbide imports from China nearly doubled in quantity from 384 to 701 metric tons and increased in value from $9.8 million to $15.8 million, highlighting growing demand. Metallic abrasives imports slightly declined in quantity from 17,800 to 16,900 metric tons, with Canada remaining the largest supplier despite a drop from 9,560 to 7,350 metric tons. These shifts underscore evolving sourcing patterns and market demands within the U.S. abrasives sector.