North American Aluminum Demand Rises 3.5% in H1 2026
Aluminum | 2026-10-28 06:16:14
However, domestic producers continued to face challenges. Shipments of semi-fabricated aluminum products from U.S. and Canadian mills declined 3.6% through June compared with the same period a year before.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): North American aluminum demand increased 3.5% year over year during the first half of 2026, reaching an estimated 13.57 billion pounds, according to preliminary data released by the Aluminum Association. Imports helped offset declining shipments from domestic producers,
The latest figures cover the United States and Canada and mark a recovery from the 0.8% decline in regional aluminum demand recorded in 2025. Demand totalled 13.12 billion pounds during January–June 2025.
Demand for semi-fabricated aluminum products, including sheet and other mill products, rose 1.5% to 9.87 billion pounds. Apparent aluminum consumption increased 1.8% to approximately 12.14 billion pounds.
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However, domestic producers continued to face challenges. Shipments of semi-fabricated aluminum products from U.S. and Canadian mills declined 3.6% through June compared with the same period a year before.
The Aluminum Association attributed much of the demand growth to increased imports of semi-fabricated products, particularly aluminum sheet. Rising Canadian exports of aluminum ingot to overseas markets also contributed to the increased demand.
The U.S. aluminum industry has invested more than $11 billion in domestic operations over the past decade, particularly in downstream manufacturing and recycling. The association argues that further investment is necessary to translate growing demand into domestic production.
POLL
What was the primary factor supporting North American aluminum demand growth in H1 2026 despite declining domestic mill shipments?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much did North American aluminum demand increase in the first half of 2026?
North American aluminum demand increased 3.5% year over year to an estimated 13.57 billion pounds during January–June 2026. The figures cover the United States and Canada and indicate a recovery from the regional demand decline recorded in 2025.
- How did demand for semi-fabricated aluminum products perform?
Demand for semi-fabricated aluminum products, including sheet and other mill products, increased 1.5% to 9.87 billion pounds in the first half of 2026. Apparent aluminum consumption rose 1.8% to approximately 12.14 billion pounds over the same period.
- How much has the U.S. aluminum industry invested in domestic operations?
The U.S. aluminum industry has invested more than $11 billion in domestic operations over the past decade, particularly in downstream manufacturing and recycling. The Aluminum Association maintains that further investment is needed to convert rising market demand into stronger domestic production and manufacturing capacity.
