The Aluminum Association has released preliminary estimates showing demand for the aluminium industry in North America (US and Canada) increased 0.8% in 2025.

The report shows improvement compared to the first half of the year, which showed a 2.0% decline.

Charles Johnson, President & CEO of the Aluminum Association, said: “North American aluminium demand showed resilience in 2025, finishing the year essentially flat despite ongoing economic and trade uncertainty.

“Modest growth in the second half of the year reflects continued strength in key manufacturing markets and reinforces aluminium’s critical role in the North American economy.

“As demand potentially stabilises, policy certainty and support for US production will remain important to long-term growth and competitiveness.”

Chart showing 2025 demand for aluminium in North America compared to the annual demand starting in 2009. (Image: Aluminum Association)

Among key takeaways from the report:

  • Aluminium demand in the US and Canada (shipments by domestic producers plus imports) totalled an estimated £26.65 billion in 2025, increasing 0.8% from the 2024 total of £26.45 billion.
  • The association's Domestic Producers Shipments and Inventories report indicates that producer shipments from US and Canadian facilities decreased 0.5% through December.
  • Demand for aluminium extruded products declined 3.1% in 2025 while demand for sheet and plate, foil, and electrical wire and cable all experienced modest growth.
  • Aluminium scrap inventory increased 18.6% in 2025, driven by tariff policy that is incentivising the use of scrap.
  • Exports of aluminium mill products declined 13.2% in 2025.
  • Imports of aluminium and aluminium products into North America increased 9.1% in 2025, driven by largely by flat-rolled products and unwrought aluminium.

The US aluminium industry has invested over $11 billion in US operations over the past decade.

Today, American aluminium makers are calling for strong trade enforcement targeting non-market economies; energy policy to grow primary aluminium production; harmonised tariffs and trade monitoring within North America; and common-sense efforts to recycle and keep more aluminium at home for US manufacturers.