Aluminum Industry in North America Witnessed Demand Surge in 2021

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The aluminum industry in the U.S. and Canada witnessed 7.7% demand growth during the previous year. This is with reference to the preliminary estimates released by The Aluminum Association as part of its monthly Aluminum Situtation Report. The demand staged strong recovery after falling by 11.4% between 2019 and 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The growth rate outpaced the GDP growth rate of 5.7% in the U.S.

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According to the report, the aluminum demand in North America totalled approximately 26.3 million pounds in 2021, approaching pre-Covid-19 levels. All major semi-fabricated or mill product categories witnessed increased demand in 2021. The highest demand growth of 15.9% was seen in extruded products, followed by sheet and plate with a demand growth of 14.4% during the previous year.

During the previous year, aluminum exports to foreign countries recorded 20.4% decline. Upon comparison with 2020 levels, the aluminum scrap exports surged higher by 16%. The aluminum and aluminum products imports to North America were up by 21.3% year-on-year in 2021.

The latest data indicates that the industry is in strong recovery mode, said Charles Johnson, President and CEO, The Aluminum Association.