Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-07-07 01:12Industry Overview - White corundum is an inorganic non-metallic material made from industrial alumina powder, with a Mohs hardness of 9.0, second only to diamond [1][4] - The industry has seen a decline in production due to weak domestic demand and stringent environmental policies, with total production expected to drop to approximately 480,000 tons in 2024 [1][4] Production Side - The white corundum industry in China began in the 1950s, initially relying heavily on imports, but has since developed self-sufficiency through technological advancements [4] - The production of 1 ton of white corundum requires about 1.1 tons of alumina, making alumina prices critical to the industry [4] Price Analysis - The price of alumina has significantly increased due to tightening supply, with the average price reaching 4,076 RMB/ton in 2024, a rise of 39.49% [5] - White corundum prices have also risen, with average prices for blocks increasing from 4,200-4,400 RMB/ton in 2023 to 5,100-5,300 RMB/ton in 2024 [5] Import and Export - Import levels of white corundum have remained low, decreasing to 1,500 tons by 2024, while exports surged from 235,400 tons in 2020 to 445,100 tons in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.26% [7] - The number of countries and regions importing Chinese white corundum has increased to 91 by the end of 2024 [7] Consumption Side - The primary consumption markets for white corundum are refractory materials and abrasives, with refractory material production declining by 3.73% in 2024 [9][10] - The abrasives sector has also faced challenges, with total revenue dropping to 450.2 billion RMB in 2024, a decrease of 15.1% [9] Future Trends - The industry is expected to see increased concentration as smaller companies face pressure from stricter environmental regulations and market competition [18] - There is a push towards green and high-end transformation, with companies focusing on clean production processes and developing high-purity products to meet advanced manufacturing needs [19][20]