Production And Shipments Of Secondary Aluminum Alloys By Independent Smelters In The United States

This table presents detailed data on the production and shipments of secondary aluminum alloys by independent smelters within the United States, categorized by alloy type and casting method. This information is crucial for understanding the supply dynamics of recycled aluminum materials, which play a significant role in reducing energy consumption and raw material costs in the aluminum industry. Tracking these figures helps stakeholders gauge the health of the secondary aluminum market, assess trends in alloy demand, and make informed decisions related to manufacturing, recycling, and trade policies.

Analysis of the data reveals a slight overall decline in total production and shipments, from 1,180,000 metric tons in 2021 to 1,140,000 metric tons in 2022. Notably, production of the 380 and variations diecast alloys decreased sharply by approximately 42,000 metric tons, dropping from 247,000 to 205,000 metric tons, while shipments for this category also fell from 245,000 to 209,000 metric tons. Conversely, sand and permanent mold alloys such as No. 319 showed a significant reduction in production from 25,400 to 16,700 metric tons but experienced a modest increase in shipments from 25,300 to 17,700 metric tons, indicating possible inventory adjustments or shifts in demand. Wrought alloys, extrusion billets, remained relatively stable, with production increasing slightly from 726,000 to 735,000 metric tons and shipments holding steady near 733,000 metric tons. The net metallic recovery from aluminum scrap also decreased from 989,000 to 934,000 metric tons, reflecting the overall contraction in secondary aluminum output. These trends suggest a tightening market for certain secondary aluminum alloys in 2022, possibly influenced by broader economic factors or changes in scrap availability.