Aluminum Association updates on North American downstream aluminium market

Shipments of aluminum sheet and plate, as reported by North American (U.S. and Canada) producers, totaled 2,136 thousand pounds in the third quarter of 2014, up 5.2 percent over the third quarter 2013 total of 2,030 thousand pounds. Shipments to the transportation market were up 25.3 percent Y-o-Y, while shipments to the building and construction market increased 9.1 percent. Compared to the previous quarter, total estimated shipments increased 3.0 percent. During first nine months of 2014, shipments were up 1.4 percent over the same period in 2013.

Shipments of fin stock totaled 101.5 million pounds during the third quarter 2014, an increase of 10.6 percent over the third quarter 2013 total of 91.8 million pounds. Compared to the previous quarter, shipments decreased 16.0 percent from the second quarter 2014 total of 120.9 million pounds. Year-to-date shipments through the third quarter 2014 totaled 328.3 million pounds, up 5.9 percent over the 2013 year-to-date total of 309.9 million pounds.

The Aluminum Association's statistical programs provide industry information on primary aluminum production, new orders of mill products, industry shipments, end use market estimates, inventories, recycling and foreign trade on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Note: North American producer mill shipments only (excludes shipments through distributors to shared markets and imports). Shipments are as reported by participating companies, which account for roughly 99.4 percent of the total.