Aluminium demand and apparent consumption up in North America through May 2017

Preliminary estimates from Aluminum Association indicate that aluminium demand in the United States and Canada (shipments by domestic producers plus imports) stood at an estimated 4.5 million tonnes through May 2017, up 3.0 % over the same period in 2016.

Demand for semi-fabricated (mill) products stood at 3.2 million tonnes, up 4.0 %. Apparent consumption (demand minus exports) in domestic markets totaled an estimated 4 million tonnes, up 4.1 % YoY. Exports of aluminium ingot and mill products from the U.S. and Canada (excluding cross-border trade) stood at 478 thousand tons through April, down 6.1 % from last year, while imports were up 30.0 % to 1.5 million tonnes.

Apparent consumption in domestic U.S. and Canada markets increased 1.6% YoY to 2,002 million pounds. Through the first four months of 2017, apparent consumption was up 4.1 % over the same period last year. Producer inventories totalled 2,916 million pounds in April, up 1.1 % over March 2017 and down 2.1 % YoY.

Demand for aluminium semi-fabricated (mill) products in the United States and Canada (measured in shipments by domestic producers plus imports) stood at an estimated 1,618 million pounds in April, up 1.9 % YoY. Shipments of aluminium sheet and plate increased 3% to 893 million pounds. Extruded product shipments dropped 2.3 % to 468 million pounds. Estimated shipments of aluminium ingot for castings, exports and other uses were 639 million pounds in April, slightly up YoY.

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The Association’s “Index of Net New Orders of Aluminium Mill Products” for May increased 6.3 % from April. Orders for flat roll products (sheet, plate, can stock and foil) were up 4.1 %, while orders for extruded products increased 14.7 % and orders for redraw rod were up 9.5 %. Compared to May 2016, orders increased 7.6 %. On average, orders recorded by domestic producers through May 2017 were up 3.0 % over the same period of 2016.