Aluminum is one of the most used metals in the world, so we decided to present you with countries that produce the most aluminum in the world. According to estimates, aluminum is second most used metal after steel and third most abundant element in Earth’s crust.
Aluminum is all around you, although you may not realize it. Most of your home appliances contain great amounts of aluminum for a few reasons. Aluminum is not just corrosion resistant, but also very reliable. Unlike many other metals, aluminum is very strong and light, which is why it is often used in manufacturing. It’s being used for car engines, wheels, tools, bike frames, window frames, etc. You know those foils you use to cover up dinner leftovers? Made of aluminum. Foil and packaging industry makes almost 14% of world’s total aluminum consumption. Cans for your soda drinks and beer? Made of aluminum.
One of the best features of aluminum is his recycling capability. Aluminum can be recycled almost 100% without losing its qualities. It is important to mention that although it has great qualities, aluminum is rarely used pure. Mostly, aluminum is used mixed with other metals or as part of aluminum compounds. Thanks to its major use, aluminum is largely produced in the world. It is estimated that world’s aluminum production was about 58 million tonnes.
To find out which are the countries that produce the most aluminum in the world, we used data from USGS Mineral Resources Program. We took figures from 2014, which stands as the last year when aluminum production was actually measured. All other available resources also have similar data.
If you like to be familiar with production capacities in the world, you will surely appreciate our list of countries that produce the most alcohol in the world as well.
Now, let’s finally take a look at those top aluminum-producing countries!
8. Norway
Aluminum Production: 1,3 million tonnes
It looks like there is more than just fishing present in Scandinavia, as Norway is Europe’s largest aluminum producer. The metal industry represents one of Norway’s largest export capacities.
7. Australia
Aluminum Production: 1,7 million tonnes
Australia’s high aluminum production capacities hide the fact that production is declining every year. Compared to data from 2012, aluminum production dropped by 9%. This percentage may not look much, but keep in mind that could become a trend. Aluminum companies in Australia are struggling with high power prices and some of them even stopped the production.
6. The US
Aluminum Production: 1,71 million tonnes
The US aluminum production can’t satisfy all their needs, so they have turned to import. Import of aluminum in the US is increasing every year, with Canada and China being their largest suppliers.
5. India
Aluminum Production: 1,9 million tonnes
While some of the countries that produce the most aluminum in the world are dropping their production numbers, India is increasing them. Compared to 2013, India has increased its production by whooping 14%. It is estimated that this percentage will be even greater in years to come.
4. The United Arab Emirates
Aluminum Production: 2,3 million tonnes
Surely one of the surprises on our list, at least for those not familiar with global politics. The UAE is establishing themselves as one of the leading producers of aluminum in the world. India’s production increase will seem trivial when you find out that the UAE increased their production in 2014 by 25%, compared to the year 2013.
3. Canada
Aluminum Production: 2,8 million tonnes
We already told you that Canada is one of the biggest USA’s aluminum suppliers, and now you can see why. The interesting fact is that Canada doesn’t have any bauxite (the main source of aluminum) mines, but has managed to develop a world class aluminum production.
2. Russia
Aluminum Production: 3,4 million tonnes
The trend of decreasing aluminum production didn’t surpass Russia since they dropped their aluminum production by 6% and according to estimates, they will have lower production in the years to come as well. Thanks to the merging of Russia’s two biggest aluminum production companies, RUSAL and SUAL, one joint company was formed, and it’s become one of the largest aluminum production companies in the world.
1. China
Aluminum Production: 24,4 million tonnes
The number one country among the countries that produce the most aluminum in the world holds this position for many years now. China has been rapidly increasing its aluminum output in recent years, increasing its production from 2010 by almost 50%. China also has the current biggest aluminum producing company in the world, Chalco. It is estimated that aluminum production in China will continue to grow on large scales.
