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| Global Trade Tracker (GTT) |
In August 2024, U.S. imports of unwrought aluminum fell by 5%, influenced mainly by a decline in shipments from Canada, the country’s leading supplier. Data from Global Trade Tracker (GTT) indicates the U.S. imported 297,000 metric tonnes (t) in August, down from 314,000t a year earlier. Canadian imports, which make up nearly two-thirds of the total U.S. aluminum supply, fell to 203,000t from 221,000t, reflecting the most significant impact on overall import numbers.
The UAE, which ranks as the second-largest source of U.S. aluminum imports, increased its August shipments to 34,000t, up from 28,000t in 2023. However, Australia and South Africa saw a combined drop of 5,000t year-over-year, contributing to the overall decline in import volumes.
Changing Year-to-Date Dynamics
Year-to-date figures reveal broader trends. From January to August 2024, U.S. aluminum imports totaled 2.615 million tonnes, a decrease from 2.843 million tonnes in 2023. Australia, in particular, experienced a dramatic decline, with shipments down to 57,000t from 182,000t, causing it to drop in rank from third to sixth-largest supplier to the U.S.
Canada’s year-to-date exports to the U.S. increased slightly to 1.840 million tonnes from 1.760 million tonnes last year. In contrast, the UAE saw a drop to 295,000t year-to-date from 397,000t, and South Africa’s supply fell to 82,000t from 120,000t over the same period. These shifting trends underscore a realignment in the U.S. aluminum market, where Canada continues to play a pivotal role while other sources fluctuate.
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