The flow of aluminium into the United States softened in the first half of 2025 as tariffs, weaker industrial activity, and higher energy costs reshaped buying patterns. Primary aluminium imports came in at 1.81 million tonnes, a touch lower than the 1.85 million tonnes recorded in the same period a year earlier — a 2 per cent decline.
The year started briskly, with first-quarter imports rising to 1.07 million tonnes from 0.91 million tonnes in early 2024 as traders rushed to move cargoes ahead of expected tariff increases. But momentum soon faded as the second quarter unfolded.
Monthly shipments fluctuated sharply. Imports surged in March to 438,000 tonnes, up from 270,000 tonnes the year before, but demand tailed off almost immediately afterward. January stood at 335,000 tonnes against 297,000 tonnes a year earlier, while February dipped to 298,000 tonnes from 344,000 tonnes.
By spring, the slowdown had become more pronounced — April fell to 238,000 tonnes from 330,000 tonnes, and June slipped to 277,000 tonnes, down from 340,000 tonnes in June 2024. The strong March inflows couldn’t counter a sluggish second quarter, leaving the half-year total marginally weaker overall.
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