US aluminum scrap trade shifts as import growth accelerates

US aluminum scrap trade grew through August, but imports posted the larger percentage increase. Imports rose about 42% year over year during the first eight months of 2026. Exports increased about 18% over the same period.

The difference in percentage growth partly reflects the smaller import base. In outright volume imports increased by roughly 237,000 metric tons from the year earlier period. Exports increased by about 246,000 metric tons.

Nicholas Bell

Nicholas brings over half a decade of experience covering metals markets, pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics. Prior to joining AMU, he reported on aluminum, high-temperature scrap, and ferro-alloy markets at Argus Media, with additional coverage of minor metals and rare earths. His work has built deep expertise in North American metals pricing and trade flows. A native of Houston, Nicholas holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Production and an MBA with a concentration in Finance, both from the University of Houston.

Nicholas Bell

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