North American aluminium demand up through the first seven months of 2017

According to the preliminary estimates from Aluminum Association Monthly report aluminium demand in the United States and Canada (shipments by domestic producers plus imports) totalled an estimated 7.2 million tonnes through the first seven months of 2017, up 4.2% over the same period last year. Demand for semi-fabricated (mill) products was up 6.0% to stand at 5.2 million tonnes. Apparent consumption (demand less exports) in domestic markets totalled an estimated 6.4 million tonnes, up 5.2% YoY.

Aluminium net shipments (including exports) by domestic U.S. and Canadian facilities stood at an estimated 952,544 tonnes during August, off 2.1% from August 2016. Shipments of aluminium mill products increased slightly YoY to 643,647 tonnes, while shipments of aluminium ingot for castings, exports and destructive uses were off 6.6% YoY, totalling 308,896 tonnes.

Through the first eight months of 2017, preliminary producer shipments stood at 7.2 million tonnes, up 1.4% over the same period of 2016. August inventory levels stood at an estimated 1.3 million tonnes, up 2.7% month on month and an increase of 3.6% YoY.