Downtrend in Saudi Arabia’s aluminium semis exports to US continues in February 2020 on crippled demand

The United States Geological Survey found no notable development in Saudi Arabia’s aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to the US in February 2020. In January, Saudi Arabia’s aluminium semis exports to the US were 7,470 tonnes, while that in February were 7,450 tonnes. The exports in January were down month-on-month by 27.47 per cent, as the aluminium plates, sheets, and bars exports from Saudi Arabia to the US were 10,300 tonnes in December. In November also, the exports were 10,300 tonnes, meaning they remained flat in December.

Saudi Arabia’s total aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to the US in the first two months of 2020 stood at 14,900 tonnes, down 38.25 per cent from 20,600 tonnes in the previous two months.

Year-on-year, Saudi Arabia’s aluminium semis exports to the US stood higher by 203 per cent in February, since the export amount during the same period last year was 2,460 tonnes.

The United States’ total aluminium plates, sheets and bars imports in February 2020 declined from 28,400 tonnes in January to 22,000 tonnes.  Compared to the year last, the total imports in February this year collapsed by 81.35 per cent from 118,000 tonnes.

The worldwide impact of COVID-19 could be one of the reasons behind the United States’ aluminium semis imports in February 2020, as the demand among the end-use sector crippled.