Aluminium oxide and hydroxide market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Sweden's aluminium oxide and hydroxide market began the period heavily reliant on imports, bringing in 401.9 thousand tons in 2018 due to a lack of domestic bauxite mining. The sole primary aluminium smelter, Kubikenborg Aluminium (Kubal) – owned by Russia's Rusal – depended on imported feedstock, while global aluminium demand growth added pressure. By 2020, imports had declined to 322.1 thousand tons and the market volume stood at 322.0 thousand tons.

Market imports then rose to 355.6 thousand tons in 2021, corresponding with a market volume of 355.3 thousand tons, even as domestic production of aluminium oxide and hydroxide fell to 15.6 thousand tons. The following year, imports edged down to 346.1 thousand tons with a matching market volume, while production recovered to 18.6 thousand tons. In value terms, the market grew from $98.4 million in 2020 to $141.0 million in 2022.

By 2024, imports had fallen further to 293.9 thousand tons. This decline coincided with the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Rusal, which threatened raw material supplies for the Kubal plant and contributed to a reported 50% contraction in Europe's primary aluminium market. Concurrently, Swedish company Gränges AB entered a strategic partnership for sustainable aluminium solutions, and the market faced volatility from higher global prices for bauxite and alumina.

Production aluminium oxide and hydroxide in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports aluminium oxide and hydroxide from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

Sweden's exports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide reached 19.5 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 6.2% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 15%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 16.8 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 20.8 thousand tonnes. The most significant year-on-year increase was in 2019, when exports surged by 23.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden's exports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Denmark alone accounting for 96.4% of the total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Sweden's exports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide in value terms declined in 2020. Exports stood at 6.2 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp drop of 23.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 24.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 8.1 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase also occurring that year at 46.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Denmark dominated Sweden's exports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide in value terms, holding a 91.0% share of the total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports aluminium oxide and hydroxide to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's imports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide in volume terms declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. The country imported 322.1 thousand tonnes, showing a slight decrease of 1.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 11%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 401.9 thousand tonnes. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2019 at 18.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland and Spain were the dominant partners in Sweden's imports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide in volume terms, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's imports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide in value terms fell for the second year in a row in 2020. Imports amounted to 98.6 million US dollars, representing a substantial contraction of 17.1% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 11.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 141.5 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase also in 2018 at 27.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Ireland, Spain, and Germany led the country structure for Sweden's imports of aluminium oxide and hydroxide in value terms. Ireland accounted for 61.4% of imports, Spain for 15.4%, and Germany for 9.5%, together making up 86.3% of the total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020