NAICS 3313

Alumina & Aluminum Production & Processing

NAICS 3313 covers US alumina and aluminum production, smelting, refining, and processing. Explore industry trends, workforce data, and market dynamics.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 3313 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
57K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
431
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$4.4B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$76,177
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$51.1B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

NAICS 3313 encompasses the production of alumina (aluminum oxide) and the smelting, refining, rolling, drawing, and casting of aluminum. This industry group includes facilities that extract aluminum from bauxite ore through the Bayer process, smelt alumina into primary aluminum ingots, and perform downstream processing such as rolling mills, extrusion presses, and foundries that produce semi-finished and finished aluminum products. The industry serves as a critical supplier to aerospace, automotive, beverage packaging, building and construction, and electrical transmission sectors, making it essential to the broader manufacturing economy.

The US aluminum industry operates within a capital-intensive, energy-dependent production environment where raw material costs and electricity prices are primary cost drivers. Domestic production has consolidated significantly over the past two decades, with the US now importing substantial quantities of primary aluminum and alumina while maintaining strength in downstream processing and value-added manufacturing. The industry faces ongoing competition from low-cost producers in China, Gulf states, and Eastern Europe, while also managing environmental regulations, recycling integration, and supply chain resilience concerns.

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Industry Trends

ESG

Increasing focus on sustainability and carbon reduction, with producers investing in inert anode technology, renewable energy sourcing, and adopting stricter environmental standards to meet regulatory requirements and customer ESG commitments.

02

Growing integration of secondary (recycled) aluminum production into supply chains, driven by energy efficiency advantages, reduced environmental impact, and rising raw material costs that make recycling economically competitive.

03

Rising electric vehicle and lightweighting demand accelerating innovations in aluminum casting, forging, and extrusion to produce complex, high-performance components that reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.

04

Supply chain diversification efforts responding to trade policy uncertainty, tariffs, and geopolitical factors, with companies expanding domestic capacity and securing long-term raw material contracts to reduce import dependence.

05

Investment in Industry 4.0 technologies including advanced process control, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automation to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality in highly competitive markets.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

4 specialty industriesavailable on request
▾
Alumina Refining & Primary Aluminum Production
331313View →
Secondary Smelting & Alloying of Aluminum
331314View →
Aluminum Sheet, Plate, & Foil Manufacturing
331315View →
Other Aluminum Rolling, Drawing, & Extruding
331318View →

Industries

Browse deeper into the NAICS hierarchy.

331310 reports

Alumina & Aluminum Production & Processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 3313? ▾
NAICS 3313 classifies establishments primarily engaged in smelting alumina into primary aluminum, refining primary aluminum, and rolling, drawing, casting, or otherwise processing aluminum. This includes the production of aluminum ingots, billets, slabs, and downstream semi-finished and finished products through mechanical and thermal processing.
What are the main products and end-uses of the aluminum industry? ▾
The industry produces primary aluminum ingots, extrusions, rolled plate and sheet, forgings, and castings used in aerospace fuselages and engines, automotive body panels and powertrains, beverage cans and packaging, electrical transmission cables, building facades and window frames, and industrial machinery. Secondary processing further transforms these materials into finished consumer and industrial goods.
How does the US aluminum industry compare globally? ▾
The US maintains significant downstream processing capabilities and technological expertise but produces only a small percentage of global primary aluminum due to high electricity costs. The industry depends substantially on imports of primary aluminum and alumina, particularly from Canada, Australia, and Middle Eastern producers with abundant cheap power, while remaining globally competitive in specialty alloys, aerospace-grade products, and recycling operations.
What role does recycling play in US aluminum production? ▾
Recycling is increasingly important, accounting for approximately 50% of US aluminum supply. Secondary aluminum production requires only about 5% of the energy needed for primary smelting, making recycled material economically and environmentally attractive. The beverage can industry drives significant recycling volumes, and automotive and building sectors are increasingly incorporating recycled content.
What are the major cost drivers and challenges for aluminum producers? ▾
Electricity costs represent 30-40% of primary aluminum production expenses, making operations sensitive to energy prices and availability. Raw material sourcing, environmental compliance, labor costs, capital equipment investment, and competition from lower-cost international producers create ongoing margin pressures. Supply chain disruptions, tariff policies, and fluctuating commodity prices also present significant business risks.

Related Industries

Iron & Steel Mills & Ferroalloy Manufacturing 3311Steel Product Manufacturing From Purchased Steel 3312Nonferrous Metal (Except Aluminum) Production & Processing 3314Foundries 3315

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