North American aluminium consumption up 7.9% Y/Y in January 2015

Demand for aluminum semi-fabricated (mill) products in the United States and Canada (measured in shipments by domestic producers plus imports) totaled an esti-mated 1,487 million pounds in January, increasing 10.1 percent over the January 2014 total of 1,351 million pounds. Aluminum sheet and plate totaled 858 million pounds in January, up 13.6 percent. Extruded products were up 8.1 percent year-over-year to 415 million pounds. Estimated shipments of aluminum ingot for castings, exports and other uses totaled 636 million pounds, down 17.4 percent from a year ago. Apparent consumption in domestic U.S. and Canada markets totaled 1,912 million pounds in January, up 7.9 percent year-over-year. Estimated apparent consumption in 2014 totaled 21,953 million pounds.

The Association’s “Index of Net New Orders of Aluminum Mill Products” for February decreased 1.7 percent over the previous month. Orders for flat roll products declined 1.1 percent, while orders for extruded products were down 5.6 percent and orders for redraw rod increased 6.5 percent. Compared to February 2014, orders increased 8.5 percent. On average, orders recorded by domestic producers through February were up 5.7 percent over last year. Excluding domestic can stock, year-to-date orders are up 6.0 percent over last year.

For more information visit the Aluminum Association website.