U.S. Alumina and Primary Aluminum Imports Leveled Off, Failing To Reach Pre-Crisis Value

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The U.S. is the leader in global imports of alumina and primary aluminum, accounting for a 12% share (based on USD). It was followed by Germany (10%), Japan (9%) and Korea (5%). In 2015, U.S. alumina and primary aluminum imports totaled 7,953 million USD, which was 16 million USD more than the year before.

From 2007 to 2015, U.S. alumina and primary aluminum imports showed mixed dynamics. An abrupt fall in 2009 was followed by a recovery attempt over the next two years, until imports slipped back over 2012-2013. In 2014, imports bounced back and then leveled off in 2015. Despite a rebound of 2014, imports failed to reach the peak level of 2008.

Comprising a broad range of industries using aluminum and aluminium products, the U.S. continues to be one of the biggest markets for global alumina and primary aluminum exporters.

Canada was the main supplier of alumina and primary aluminum into the U.S., with a 59% share of total U.S. imports in 2015, based on USD. It was distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (9%) and Russia (8%). The United Arab Emirates was the fastest growing supplier (+10.0% per year) from 2007 to 2015, while imports from Canada declined by -1.9% per year, and from Russia by -7.4% per year. Consequently, the United Arab Emirates strengthened its position in the U.S. import structure by +5 percentage points from 2007 to 2015, while Canada gained modest +1 percentage point, and Russia shrank its share by -5 percentage points over the same period.

From 2007 to 2015, the U.S. was a net importer of alumina and primary aluminum. In 2015, U.S. alumina and primary aluminium market ran a trade deficit of 5,957 million USD, remaining relatively stable in recent five years, with the only exception of a noticeable drop in 2013.

Source: U.S. Alumina And Primary Aluminum Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2020