Aluminum trade
Aluminum scrap is the raw material resulting from manufacturing processes, construction activities, or other uses of aluminum. It can take many forms, including discarded machinery, old appliances, and leftover building materials. The majority of aluminum scrap undergoes a process called secondary refining, where it is melted down and purified to produce primary-grade metal. This process significantly reduces the energy required for producing new aluminum products compared to extracting raw bauxite ore. By recyclin...
Aluminum scrap is the raw material resulting from manufacturing processes, construction activities, or other uses of aluminum. It can take many forms, including discarded machinery, old appliances, and leftover building materials.
The majority of aluminum scrap undergoes a process called secondary refining, where it is melted down and purified to produce primary-grade metal. This process significantly reduces the energy required for producing new aluminum products compared to extracting raw bauxite ore.
By recycling aluminum through this process, companies can reduce their reliance on primary production, which has significant environmental benefits, including lower greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, as well as reduced land degradation associated with mining activities.
Country-level reported imports and exports by year.
Net export flows between reporting partners filtered by global trade share.
Bilateral trade structure for the selected year.
Market intelligence
Century Aluminum Co. and Emirates Global Aluminium announced a joint venture to build a 750,000‑t/yr primary aluminum smelter at Tulsa Port of Inola, Oklahoma, with construction slated to begin in late 2026 and first production before the decade’s end.
Hebei Huatong Wires and Cables Group Co., Ltd. commenced operations at its new 120,000‑t/yr primary aluminum smelter in the Dande Free Trade Zone, Bengo Province.
Alcoa Corp. secured a new 10‑year energy contract with the New York Power Authority to supply 240 MW to its 130,000‑t/yr smelter in Massena, NY, expanding its power procurement.
Alcoa Corp. announced a $60 million capital investment through 2028 to rebuild and modernize the anode baking furnace at its Massena smelter, increasing processing capability.
Century Aluminum Co. extended its power supply contract with Santee Cooper for its Mount Holly smelter through 2031, ensuring continued electricity supply for smelting operations.
Arconic Corp. announced the commissioning of an expansion project at its Davenport Works plant in Iowa, doubling high‑purity aluminum production capacity to roughly 41,000 metric tons per year, boosting supply for defense and aerospace applications.
September 2025 expansion doubled capacity at a high‑purity aluminum facility in Iowa, boosting production capability.
Announcement in August 2025 to restart more than 50,000‑ton‑per‑year of idled capacity at a 229,000‑ton‑per‑year primary smelter in South Carolina, targeting full operation by mid‑2026.
The U.S. added over 400 additional aluminum tariff codes in August 2025, targeting the aluminum content of imported products.
Century Aluminum Co. announced plans to restart 50,000 t/yr of idle capacity at its 229,000‑t/yr smelter, bringing the facility to full production by mid‑2026.
Expanded recycling plant in Minnesota started production in July 2025, adding 55,000‑ton‑per‑year billet capacity to reach 165,000‑ton‑per‑year total.
The West Virginia aluminum sheet facility closed in June 2025, reducing domestic sheet output.
Commissioning of a 650,000‑ton‑per‑year recycled flat‑rolled aluminum mill in Mississippi began in June 2025, with first coils shipped.
The tariff on aluminum products increased to 50% ad valorem in June 2025 for most countries, intensifying trade restrictions.
The Virginia aluminum sheet facility closed in May 2025, cutting domestic sheet production.
The U.S. imposed a 25% ad valorem tariff on aluminum imports in March 2025, aimed at protecting national security and boosting domestic production.
China smelters in several provinces resumed production or completed upgrades in 2025, including new potlines, enhancing domestic output.
Reactivation of a 228,000‑ton‑per‑year primary smelter in San Ciprian, Spain in 2025 after a 2022 shutdown, with full production expected by mid‑2026.
Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC acquired an 80% stake in Spectro Alloys Corp., a U.S.-based secondary aluminum producer, potentially expanding its secondary aluminum production capacity.
UAE-based aluminum producer announced acquisition of 110,000-ton-per-year secondary aluminum producer in Rosemont, MN, altering ownership of U.S. secondary aluminum assets.
Construction began on a $40 million aluminum recycling facility in Russellville, KY, to process dross and scrap from a nearby casting plant, enhancing U.S. secondary aluminum processing.
U.S. increased aluminum tariffs on imports from China from 0–7.5% to 25%, significantly raising trade barriers.
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd. announced a 205‑MW electricity reduction at its Tiwai Smelter in response to nationwide power shortages, cutting the smelter’s production capacity by approximately one‑third.
U.S. Department of Defense awarded Constellium SE a $23 million grant to install new casting equipment at its Muscle Shoals, AL facility, increasing annual aluminum casting capacity by up to 136,000 t.
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