Mexico’s aluminium plates, sheets and strips import to rise in 2018; USA to be the top exporter

Having limited resources of bauxite from which alumina is extracted and converted to aluminium, Mexico has no alumina refineries in the country, and for the same reason, its aluminium industry is highly dependent on imports and recycling of aluminium products.

Mexico’s aluminium industry has been reportedly growing steadily at a 13 percent annual rate since 2011 and producing 1.6% of the world’s global production. Moreover, it contributes to the country’s own economy by contributing about US$7 billion to GDP.

According to the global export-import data, Mexico’s aluminium plates, sheets, and strips import is likely to grow in 2018 after a slight plunge in the previous year. In 2017, the country’s estimated import volume was at 260,669 tonnes. This year, it may grow 44 per cent to stand at 376,226 tonnes. But despite the growth from the previous year, the volume would still likely stand low from 384,594 tonnes in 2016, down 2 per cent.

Nevertheless, Mexico’s import cost of aluminium plates, sheets and strips is estimated to stand higher from both the two previous years (2016 & 2017). In 2016, the country’s import cost was at US$ 1303 million, which in 2017 was down by 28 per cent at US$ 994 million. However, in 2018, the amount is likely to rise 13 per cent from 2016 and 48 per cent from 2017 to clock at US$ 1467 million.

The United States of America is expected to be the primary exporter of aluminium plates, sheets and strips to Mexico this year, by delivering 210,105 tonnes in total, followed by China which is forecast to supply 93,661 tonnes and Germany 22,465 tonnes. South Korea is also a significant exporter of aluminium plates, sheets and strip to Mexico and is expected to supply 15,888 tonnes in 2018.