Aluminum Association updates on North American market

Estimated U.S. foundry shipments of aluminum castings totaled 1,198.2 million pounds during the second quarter 2014, an increase of 5.0 percent over the second quarter 2013 total of 1,141.4 million pounds. Compared to the previous quarter, shipments rose 1.0 percent over the first quarter 2014 total of 1,186.4 million pounds. Year-to-date shipments through the second quarter 2014 totaled 2,384.7 million pounds, up 6.6 percent over the 2013 year-to-date total of 2,236.2 million pounds.

Aluminum imports of ingot, scrap and mill products into the U.S. and Canada (excluding cross-border trade) totaled 475 million pounds during September 2014, up 30.3 percent over the September 2013 total of 364 million pounds. Including scrap, which accounted for about 57 percent of reported aluminum exports, exports totaled 604 million pounds in September, down 12.2 percent from a year ago. Excluding scrap, exports totaled 262 million pounds, down 26.5 percent over last year. Exports of scrap were up 3.3 percent year-over-year. During the first nine months of 2014, imports rose 17.0 percent to 4,179 million pounds while exports were off 5.7 percent to 5,614 million pounds. Statistics are derived from customs data released by the U.S. and Canadian governments.

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.