AMU
December 20, 2024
Written by Matthew Abrams
The Aluminum Association (AA) released its latest estimation of primary production in the US. Primary production came in at 55,136 t in November, which is a daily rate of 1,838 t and an annual rate of 672,659 t, according to the AA. This is slightly up from the previous month at 671,256 t, but much lower than last year’s level of 802,477 t in November 2023.
Recycler forward expectations swung toward oversupply in September as inventory drawdowns eased and export demand lost August’s improving responses.
Kibar Americas said production has started at its aluminum plant in Fairmont, W.Va., where it will manufacture products for the HVAC, packaging, automotive and industrial sectors.
China is bumping up against its official primary production capacity limit of 45.3 million metric tons/year, but production can still increase through “capacity creep.”
Automotive aluminum demand is rising as extrusions, sheet, and castings gain ground across vehicle applications and powertrains.
Recycler demand increased while fewer respondents reported sufficient obsolete scrap, even as inventory drawdowns remained widespread.