Newly released aluminum statistical review shows five percent growth in aluminum demand in 2012

The Aluminum Association released today the 2012 Aluminum Statistical Review, the most comprehensive source for North American industry data, covering every cycle of the production process from primary aluminum to finished goods to the recovery of aluminum scrap.

The review shows that, for the third straight year, aluminum demand grew in the United States and Canada, led by growth in the transportation and building and construction markets.

Among key findings in this year's report:

Aluminum demand in North America increased by 5.1 percent to 23.7 billion pounds in 2012.

• Aluminum supply increased 2.1 percent to 24.6 billion pounds.
• Shipments of aluminum to the transportation industry increased 14.2 percent to 7.1 billion pounds on increased auto builds.
• Shipments in the building and construction sector grew 6.2 percent while the electrical market (including wire and cable) grew 7.9 percent year-over-year.
• Container and packaging shipments declined by 2.2 percent year-over-year.
• Net shipments of semi-fabricated or mill products increased 4.2 percent over the previous year to 16.2 billion pounds.

The Review is an educational tool designed to support members of the industry, financial analysts, government agencies, students and the general public. The Review is divided into five major sections: supply, shipments, markets, foreign trade, and world statistics. Its contents include text, tables and charts to provide year-end figures and other historical data on U.S. and Canadian shipments, markets, supply and foreign trade.