US Primary Aluminum Imports Decline in 2024

US Aluminum

Imports Drop 6%, Led by Decreases from the UAE, Australia, and South Africa

The United States saw a 6% decline in its primary aluminum imports in 2024, with a total of 3.917 million metric tonnes (mt), down from 4.158 million mt in 2023. The drop was notably driven by significant reductions in imports from key suppliers such as the UAE, Australia, and South Africa, as reported by US customs data.

Declines from Key Suppliers and Growth from Canada

Imports from the UAE, the second-largest supplier of unwrought aluminum to the US, fell by 23% to 435,200 tonnes in 2024. Australia's imports dropped sharply by 127,600 tonnes, falling to 82,400 tonnes. This decline caused Australia to drop from being the third-largest supplier to the sixth position in just one year. Additionally, imports from South Africa fell by 30,000 tonnes, reaching 131,600 tonnes in 2024.

In contrast, imports from Canada, the top supplier, rose by 91,800 tonnes, totaling 2.744 million tonnes in 2024. This increase helped offset some of the losses from other countries. Canada's share of total US aluminum imports grew to 70% in 2024, up from 64% in 2023, solidifying its dominance in the US market.

Tariff Concerns and Emerging Suppliers

The US is facing potential tariff issues, as former President Donald Trump proposed a 10% tariff on all imports from Canada. This could drive up prices for aluminum and aluminum products in the US, given Canada's role in supplying nearly a third of the US's aluminum needs.

On the other hand, imports from newer suppliers saw an uptick. India, now the seventh-largest supplier, sent 21,100 tonnes more aluminum, bringing its total to 73,000 tonnes in 2024. Argentina, a new third-largest supplier, saw a significant increase, sending 16,700 tonnes more to the US, bringing its total to 174,800 tonnes in 2024.

December 2024 imports also reflected these trends. The US imported 306,600 tonnes of unwrought aluminum, down by 14,700 tonnes compared to the previous year. Imports from Canada decreased by 20,300 tonnes, but Argentina helped balance the drop with an increase of 8,300 tonnes, reaching 30,200 tonnes in December.