The latest data from the US Geological Survey shows the United States’ exports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars increased in January 2020 after two consecutive months of decline. From 56,100 tonnes in December 2019, the export amount increased by about 22 per cent to 68,200 tonnes in January 2020. In November, the US’ aluminium semi-finished products exports were 63,800 tonnes, meaning the export amount in December was lower by 12 per cent month-on-month. Also in November, the US’ exports of semi-finished products stood down by 11 per cent from 71,400 tonnes in the previous month.

Year-on-year, however, the US’ exports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars in January 2020 decreased 12 per cent from 77,400 tonnes in January 2019.

The total aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports by the US in 2019 had amounted to 859,000 tonnes.

In January 2020, the primary destinations of the United States’ aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports were Canada and Mexico. Canada imported 30,900 tonnes, up 35.52 per cent from 22,800 tonnes in the previous month, while Mexico’s imports were 26,100 tonnes, 21 per cent higher from 21,600 tonnes.

In October and November, Canada’s and Mexico’s imports of aluminium semi-finished products were 28,000 tonnes and 29,900 tonnes, and 26,900 tonnes and 25,500 tonnes, respectively.

This represents the US aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to Canada and Mexico increased month-on-month in November but decreased in December, which, however, again rebounded in January 2020.