Export Growth
October 26, 2026
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
North American aluminum demand climbed 3.5% year over year during the first half of 2026, according to a report by the Aluminum Association.
The increase represents a rebound from declining demand during the same period last year.
EGA has restarted 631 of Al Taweelah’s 1,262 reduction cells and still expects the smelter to return to full production in Q1 2027.
Recycler forward views shifted toward undersupply in October even as Midwest Premium and UBC expectations moved lower.
Alcoa expects two other unnamed sites to follow the Massena East sale.
The shipment was part of an offtake agreement between private investment group Heeney Capital, Mercuria Energy Group and the Venezuelan government.
