As part of its monthly Aluminum Situation report, the Aluminum Association released preliminary estimates showing demand for the aluminum industry in North America (U.S. and Canada) declined 4.4% through the first three quarters of 2023. 

“Despite some softness in the market following near record shipments in 2022, aluminum demand remains near the 10-year average during a time of increased investment for the U.S. industry,” said Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association. “With nearly $6 billion committed to expand domestic aluminum operations since 2021 alone, the long-term outlook for aluminum remains strong.”

Among key takeaways from the report:

• Aluminum demand in the United States and Canada (shipments by domestic producers plus imports) totaled an estimated 19,993 million pounds through Q3 2023, compared to the Q3 2022 total of 20,908 million pounds.
• Electrical wire & cable saw 14.7% year-over-year demand growth through the third quarter as the electrical infrastructure market remains strong. 
• In total, semi-fabricated – or “mill” – product demand was off 9.5% year-over-year through Q3.
• Aluminum exports (excluding scrap) to foreign countries increased 23.1% in the third quarter.
• At 105.8, the Association’s Index of Net New Orders of Aluminum Mill Products (baseline index of 100) has shown a decline of 5.1% year-to-date (through November).
• Imported aluminum and aluminum products into the North America (US and Canada) have fallen over 25% through Q3 2023.

In the last decade, Aluminum Association member companies have announced more than $9 billion in investments for domestic manufacturing operations ($6 billion since 2021) – including new, U.S.-based greenfield facilities for the first time since the 1980s. This increased investment is thanks to demand for sustainable packaging, safe and efficient vehicles, greener buildings and vital infrastructure. 

The Aluminum Situation report is one of more than two-dozen ongoing industry statistical reports developed exclusively by the Aluminum Association through surveys of aluminum producers, fabricators and recyclers. Subscribers to the Aluminum Association statistical reports have access to an online portal with data users can manipulate directly to produce interactive, presentation-ready charts and graphs.
 
To learn more about the Aluminum Association’s statistical offerings or to subscribe, visit www.aluminum.org/statistics.