Alumina-silica refractory ceramics imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
The United States imported $176.2 million of alumina-silica refractory ceramics in 2024 (25.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 177 countries. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $176.2M | 25.9K t |
| 2023 | $175.2M | 26.2K t |
| 2022 | $187.0M | 34.7K t |
| 2021 | $147.7M | 32.4K t |
| 2020 | $114.5M | 23.5K t |
| 2019 | $138.0M | 33.6K t |
| 2018 | $176.1M | 42.6K t |
| 2017 | $158.8M | 34.6K t |
Where the United States imports alumina-silica refractory ceramics from
The largest suppliers were Mexico (24%), Japan (18%), Canada (10%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+195% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $42.0M | 24% |
| Japan | $30.8M | 18% |
| Canada | $16.8M | 9.5% |
| China | $16.5M | 9.4% |
| Germany | $15.4M | 8.8% |
| Italy | $13.2M | 7.5% |
| India | $11.7M | 6.7% |
| Poland | $8.3M | 4.7% |
| United Kingdom | $6.6M | 3.7% |
| Czech Republic | $5.1M | 2.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.80 per kg, 31% above the world average of $5.18. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Alumina-silica refractory ceramics exports from the United States
Exports of alumina-silica refractory ceramics by the United States reached $127.3 million in 2024 (8.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 86 countries. The largest buyer markets were Mexico (31%), Canada (21%), Italy (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $39.4M | 31% |
| Canada | $26.7M | 21% |
| Italy | $7.1M | 5.6% |
| China | $6.2M | 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | $6.2M | 4.9% |
| Germany | $4.8M | 3.8% |
| Singapore | $3.6M | 2.8% |
| Japan | $3.2M | 2.5% |
| South Korea | $3.1M | 2.4% |
| France | $2.9M | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States alumina-silica refractory ceramics imports (HS 6903.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 6903.20: Refractory ceramic goods: containing by weight more than 50% of alumina or of a mixture or compound of alumina and of silica, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths.
Common questions
What is the value of alumina-silica refractory ceramics imported by the United States?
The United States imported alumina-silica refractory ceramics worth $176.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 25.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 177 countries worldwide, with 14% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply alumina-silica refractory ceramics to the United States?
Mexico was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($42.0 million), followed by Japan (18%) and Canada (10%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 195% on the year.
What is the average import price of alumina-silica refractory ceramics per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.80 per kg in 2024, 31% above the world average of $5.18 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of alumina-silica refractory ceramics to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $158.8 million in 2017 to $176.2 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2022 at $187.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $159.2 million a year.
Does the United States also export alumina-silica refractory ceramics?
Yes. The United States exported $127.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, Canada and Italy. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $48.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for alumina-silica refractory ceramics?
The HS code for alumina-silica refractory ceramics is subheading 6903.20. It sits in HS chapter 69 (ceramic products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6903 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United States reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World alumina-silica refractory ceramics trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
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