Aluminum Scrap Markets
September 16, 2025
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
Aluminum demand in the U.S. and Canada slipped by 4.4% during the first half of the year, according to preliminary estimates from the Aluminum Association.
The year-over-year decline was partly due to a significant drop in exports; however, demand fell in all market segments except foil, according to the trade association.
At ADI’s facility in Mississippi, all three cold mills are now operational, which will allow ADI to access the full 650,000-metric-ton annual capability, the company said.
Recycler forward views shifted toward undersupply in October even as Midwest Premium and UBC expectations moved lower.
Rio Tinto maintained third quarter aluminum production as its Arvida smelter transition continued, while the company delayed two capacity projects at the Quebec complex.
US aluminum scrap imports increased faster than exports through August, while similar tonnage gains kept net exports near year earlier levels.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, challenging the district court’s decision to uphold Oregon’s version of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that are popping up across the country.
