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This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of aluminum imports into the United States, categorized by different classes such as crude metals and alloys, plates and sheets, pipes and tubes, rods and bars, scrap, and various manufactured aluminum products. Tracking these imports is crucial for understanding the supply dynamics of aluminum in the U.S. market, which directly impacts industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to packaging and construction. The data provides insight into the demand for raw and processed aluminum materials, helping policymakers and businesses gauge economic health, assess trade balances, and make informed decisions related to tariffs, resource allocation, and industrial planning.
Analysis of the data reveals a notable increase in total aluminum imports for consumption from 5.78 million metric tons valued at $17.5 billion in 2021 to 6.62 million metric tons worth $24.2 billion in 2022. The largest growth occurred in the crude metals and alloys category, which rose from 3.63 million metric tons ($10.4 billion) to 4.15 million metric tons ($14.1 billion), reflecting heightened demand or supply chain adjustments. Plates, sheets, and strips also saw a significant jump in quantity from 1.18 million to 1.46 million metric tons, with their value increasing from $4.54 billion to $6.81 billion, indicating stronger industrial use or higher prices. Scrap imports remained relatively stable in quantity but increased in value, suggesting rising scrap aluminum prices. Among manufactured products, foil and leaf imports grew from 224,000 to 248,000 metric tons, with value surging from $912 million to $1.33 billion, highlighting increased consumption in packaging and other specialized applications. Overall, the upward trends across most categories underscore a robust demand for aluminum imports in 2022 compared to the previous year.
| TABLE 11 | ||||||||||
| U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF ALUMINUM, BY CLASS1 | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | |||||||
| Class | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | ||||||
| Crude, semicrude, and scrap: | ||||||||||
| Metals and alloys, crude | 3630000 | 10400000 | 4150000 | 14100000 | ||||||
| Plates, sheets, strip, n.e.c.2 | 1180000 | r | 4540000 | r | 1460000 | 6810000 | ||||
| Pipes, tubes3 | 35900 | r | 252000 | r | 42000 | 341000 | ||||
| Rods and bars | 1930 | 12900 | 2390 | 17800 | ||||||
| Scrap | 679000 | r | 1260000 | 685000 | 1470000 | |||||
| Total | 5530000 | r | 16500000 | 6340000 | 22700000 | |||||
| Manufactures: | ||||||||||
| Foil and leaf4 | 224000 | r | 912000 | r | 248000 | 1330000 | ||||
| Powders and flakes | 15200 | 62600 | 18600 | 91500 | ||||||
| Wire | 7300 | r | 46200 | r | 7160 | 48700 | ||||
| Total | 247000 | r | 1020000 | r | 274000 | 1480000 | ||||
| Grand total | 5780000 | r | 17500000 | r | 6620000 | 24200000 | ||||
rRevised.
1Table includes data available through May 17, 2023. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Not elsewhere classified; includes circles, disks, plates, and sheets.
3Includes tube or pipe fittings such as couplings, elbows, and sleeves.
4Does not include etched capacitor foil.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Aluminum statistics | Mineral commodity prices