North American aluminium industry records a year-to-date growth of 6.6% over the first half of 2022

Through the first half of 2022, the North American aluminium industry (U.S. and Canada) recorded a year-to-date growth of 6.6 per cent, said the monthly Aluminium Situation report released by the Aluminum Association. This is an addition to a nearly 8 per cent year-over-year growth predicted for 2021, based on demand levels expected for the first quarter.

Since 2021, the Aluminium Association member firms have announced more than $3.7 billion in domestic manufacturing activities, including the first brand-new greenfield U.S. sites. Over $4 billion in new aluminium investments have been reported by other companies in recent months.

“We are seeing strong demand and truly unprecedented levels of investment in the U.S. aluminum industry today. America is one of the best places in the world to make aluminum and our industry is putting its money where its mouth is to ensure a strong, vibrant domestic industry for years to come,” said Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association.

A detailed examination of the sheet and plate goods demand demonstrates how the expansion of the container and packaging market has contributed to the increase in the need for aluminium.

The report also highlights the following key points:

• Through June, the demand for aluminium in the United States and Canada (shipments from domestic manufacturers plus imports) was estimated at 14.1 billion pounds, up 6.6 per cent from the same time in 2021.
• Almost all significant semi-fabricated, or "mill," product categories had higher demand growth in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, headed by sheet and plate goods (12.5 per cent) and electrical wire and cable (9.2 per cent). Mill product demand increased by 9.1 per cent from June 2022 to June 2022.
• Through the second quarter, imports of aluminium and aluminium products into North America (the US and Canada) increased by 35.7 per cent Y-o-Y, totalling 4.7 billion pounds. Despite improving, the year-to-date import levels are still lower than they were during the same time in 2019.

Through June 2022, domestic producer shipments in this sector increased 13.1 per cent yearly as businesses and consumers increasingly turned to aluminium for eco-friendly packaging options. Aluminium cans are the most environmentally friendly beverage packaging in almost every metric. They recycle more frequently and include significantly more recycled material than other packaging forms.