High-rise façades, electric vehicles, electronics and solar installations all rely on aluminium extrusion, where heated billets are shaped into precise, high-strength profiles. Its lightweight, durable and adaptable nature makes it widely used, as industries continue to prioritise efficiency and performance. Global aluminium extrusion consumption reached 34.27 million tonnes in 2024 and is expected to grow to 35.25 million tonnes in 2025, an increase of 2.9 per cent. By 2026, usage is projected to reach 36.14 million tonnes, growing by another 2.5 per cent.

Who is driving the demand?

Construction continues to carry the bulk of the load. It consumed 18.57 million tonnes in 2024 and is expected to edge up to 18.98 million tonnes in 2025, with growth of about 2.53 per cent through 2026. That translates to more than 60 per cent of global extrusion demand.

The reason is simple: aluminium does what modern buildings need. It is strong but light, resists corrosion and does not burn. From façades to windows and curtain walls, it fits both structural and design requirements. There is also a practical benefit-lighter materials reduce overall load, which helps in designing energy-efficient buildings. That combination keeps construction firmly in the lead. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026".

How are other sectors shaping demand?

Other sectors are not far behind, Transport used 6.31 million tonnes in 2024 and is expected to reach 6.53 million tonnes in 2025, growing at about 2.45 per cent CAGR in 2026.

In the electrical and electronics sector, extrusion usage stood at 2.42 million tonnes in 2024 and is projected to reach 2.48 million tonnes in 2025, indicating a CAGR of approximately 2.42 per cent between 2025 and 2026.

Meanwhile, the industrial sector recorded 3.86 million tonnes in 2024, with usage expected to reach 3.08 million tonnes in 2025, reflecting a CAGR of about 2.60 per cent in 2026.

Consumer durables rose slightly from 1.81 million tonnes in 2024 to a projected 1.84 million tonnes in 2025, and is expected to increase roughly 2.72 per cent in 2026.

Put together, these numbers show a pattern: demand is broad-based, but no single segment comes close to construction.

A regional market with very different realities

China: producing more than it consumes

China continues to set the tone. Consumption rose from 22.32 million tonnes in 2024 to 22.87 million tonnes in 2025 and is expected to grow at about 2.54 per cent going forward in 2026.

The country accounts for roughly 60–65 per cent of global capacity and produces about 23.5 million tonnes a year-more than it needs. That excess feed is exported, which reached around 1.1 million tonnes in 2025, while imports were around 98,070 tonnes.

Chinese extruders are also investing heavily in “green billets”, which are produced using renewable energy or post-consumer scrap, as part of the country’s carbon-neutrality objectives. This shift aligns with global sustainability trends and strengthens China’s competitiveness in markets increasingly influenced by carbon-related trade policies. Also read: Global aluminium extrusion market stabilises in 2025 as China rises, Europe slows, and growth builds across Asia, Americas and MEA

Rest of Asia-Pacific: demand runs ahead of supply

Across the rest of Asia-Pacific, consumption increased from 3.16 million tonnes in 2024 to 3.31 million tonnes in 2025, with growth of about 2.42 per cent expected in 2026.

In this region, key extrusion producers include Hindalco, which operates plants at Renukoot and Alupuram with a combined capacity of 115,000 tonnes, Hydro Extruded Solutions with around 1.4 million tonnes of global capacity, and LB Aluminium Berhad, which operates Malaysia’s largest 4,300-tonne press. However, this capacity is not sufficient to meet demand, and the region continues to rely heavily on imports.

In 2025, Vietnam imported 168,008 tonnes, India 166,295 tonnes, Malaysia 111,890 tonnes, Turkey 117,921 tonnes, Australia 92,317 tonnes, Japan 38,624 tonnes and Indonesia 33,402 tonnes, underscoring how regional demand continues to outpace domestic production.

Europe: strong demand, not enough capacity

Europe shows a familiar pattern-steady demand, limited supply. Consumption rose from 3.43 million tonnes in 2024 to 3.49 million tonnes in 2025, with growth of about 2.58 per cent expected in 2026.

Large players such as Hydro Extrusions (1.4 million tonnes capacity, 1.0 million tonnes sales in 2025) and Constellium (0.8 million tonnes capacity) are present, but they do not fully meet demand. As a result, imports remain high. The European Union imported around 775,049 tonnes in 2025, while the UK added another 123,540 tonnes.

There are signs of change. EAS Aluminium commissioned a 35,000 m² facility in 2025 using Presezzi technology, targeting over 20,000 tonnes capacity and focusing on energy efficiency and exports.

Americas: demand growth meets supply gaps

Across the Americas, aluminium extrusion demand is rising, but supply is still catching up-especially in North America. Consumption in North America is estimated at 2.93 million tonnes in 2025 and is expected to reach 3 million tonnes in 2026.

The US remains heavily dependent on imports, bringing in 581,366.14 tonnes of extrusion products in 2025 due to limited domestic production. At the same time, investment is gaining pace. MAGNA Aluminum Profile launched the region’s first fully electric extrusion facility in Quebec in 2025, targeting 6xxx alloys.

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation continues to play a key role, operating 10 extrusion and drawing facilities across North America. In 2024, its automotive extrusion shipments reached 101.4 million pounds, generating USD 119.7 million in conversion revenue. For the first nine months of 2025, this rose to USD 211 million.

In comparison, South America remains a smaller but steadily growing market. Consumption increased from 0.86 million tonnes in 2024 to 0.90 million tonnes in 2025, with a CAGR of around 2.22 per cent expected. While modest in scale, growth in the region is aligned with broader industrial expansion.

Also read: Global aluminium extrusion leaders 2025: Top producers with their output capacity and expansion plans

Middle East and Africa: building closer to demand

The Middle East and Africa region grew from 1.64 million tonnes in 2024 to 1.75 million tonnes in 2025, with growth of around 2.29 per cent expected in 2026.

Unlike Europe or North America, much of the demand is met locally. Gulf Extrusions operates six lines across Dubai and Abu Dhabi with capacity of about 80,000 tonnes, aiming to reach 100,000 tonnes by 2027 and 140,000 tonnes by 2030. Balexco adds more than 33,000 tonnes annually.

Imports are present but limited - Saudi Arabia imported 74,646 tonnes in 2025, Qatar 5609 tonnes, Oman 19,490 tonnes and Bahrain 3,775.9 tonnes.

The bigger story is expansion. In September 2025, ALUPCO and Asia Aluminum Group announced a USD 500 million aluminium hub in Riyadh. Spread across 1.5 million m², the project will be developed in two phases.

The first phase will deliver 100,000 tonnes of capacity within 30 months, with total capacity expected to reach 200,000 tonnes annually. The facility will focus on construction profiles, modular housing and solar frames, using advanced automation, and is expected to create more than 1,800 jobs.

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