North American aluminum demand rises 3.5% in H1 2026

North American aluminum demand returned to growth in the first half of 2026, but the recovery has exposed a widening gap between market consumption and domestic production. Rising imports of semi-fabricated aluminum products, particularly sheet, have supported regional demand as shipments from US and Canadian producers continue to weaken.

According to preliminary industry estimates, aluminum demand across the United States and Canada increased 3.5% Year-on-Year through June 2026, reaching an estimated 13.57 billion pounds (6.16 million metric tonnes), compared with 13.12 billion pounds (5.95 million metric tonnes) during the corresponding period of 2025. The improvement marks a reversal from the previous year's contraction, although imports rather than stronger domestic mill shipments have largely driven the recovery.

Aluminum demand grows as imports strengthen North American supply

Demand for semi-fabricated aluminum products, including sheet, plate, extrusions and other mill products, reached 9.87 billion pounds (4.48 million metric tonnes) during the reporting period, registering a 1.5% year-on-year increase.

Meanwhile, apparent aluminum consumption, calculated as domestic demand less exports, advanced 1.8% to an estimated 12.14 billion pounds (5.51 million metric tonnes). The increase indicates continued demand from North American manufacturers, even as domestic production faces supply-side challenges.

However, the underlying shipment figures reveal a different picture. Deliveries of semi-fabricated aluminum products from US and Canadian producers declined 3.6% Y-o-Y through June, highlighting the disconnect between rising regional demand and domestic manufacturing performance.

Imports of semi-fabricated aluminum, particularly sheet, played a significant role in filling this supply gap as manufacturers sought to offset domestic production disruptions. Additionally, increased Canadian exports of aluminum ingot to third-country markets contributed to the overall regional demand calculation.