Nearly 98% of U.S. Aluminum Jobs in Downstream Processing

Aluminum | 2026-09-24 05:53:33 | By Paul Ploumis

Meanwhile, US primary aluminum imports have declined substantially, falling 30.8% from 2.5 million tonnes in July 2022 to 1.73 million tonnes in July 2026.

Summary

Downstream Operations Dominate Aluminum Employment
Nearly 98% of U.S. aluminum industry jobs are concentrated in mid- and downstream processing and recycling. The sector directly employs 165,354 people and supports 871,464 jobs across the broader economy.
Value-Added Aluminum Jobs See Strong Growth
Secondary aluminum production employment increased 21.9% between 2024 and 2026, while coatings and sheet and extrusion employment rose 23.1% and 22.2%, respectively. The industry has attracted more than $11 billion in domestic investment over the past decade.
Primary Aluminum Imports Decline
U.S. primary aluminum imports fell 30.8%, from 2.5 million tonnes in July 2022 to 1.73 million tonnes in July 2026. The decline underscores the growing role of domestic processing and recycling capacity in the U.S. aluminum supply chain.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The US aluminum industry is increasingly relying on downstream activities to support employment, investment, and domestic manufacturing, with nearly 98% of industry jobs now concentrated in mid- and downstream processing and recycling, according to the Aluminum Association.

The association’s 2026 economic impact study estimates that the sector directly employs 165,354 people, while its broader economic footprint supports 871,464 jobs and generates $326.4 billion in output.

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Employment growth has been strongest in value-added operations, with employment in primary aluminum falling significantly. Between 2024 and 2026, jobs in secondary aluminum production increased 21.9%, while coatings and sheet and extrusion employment climbed 23.1% and 22.2%, respectively. The domestic industry has seen an investment of more than $11 billion over the past decade.

Meanwhile, US primary aluminum imports have declined substantially, falling 30.8% from 2.5 million tonnes in July 2022 to 1.73 million tonnes in July 2026. The shift highlights the growing importance of domestic processing and recycling capacity.

As the US seeks greater supply-chain resilience, downstream companies are becoming increasingly important to employment, manufacturing capacity and the broader development of a more integrated domestic aluminum industry the study report said.