Summary
Foiled again: Continued volatility will likely force enterprises out of the industry
Abstract
Aluminum Manufacturing in the US
The Aluminum Manufacturing industry has endured significant volatility over the five years to 2019 due to fluctuations in aluminum prices, which reflect global supply and demand. While higher prices raise the cost of processing purchased aluminum, operators will generally pass cost increases on to customers and result in higher industry revenue. Despite only a brief rebound in 2014, aluminum prices plummeted in 2015 and 2016 as global demand for aluminum weakened. Meanwhile, the appreciating dollar constrained export growth while boosting imports from Canada and China, further increasing pressure on domestic operators. Primary aluminum manufacturers were particularly challenged by these developments, forcing several smelters to temporarily idle production capacity, permanently close underperforming facilities or otherwise exit the industry. The industry is expected to continue globalizing over the five years to 2024 as domestic and foreign manufacturing markets gain strength. In particular, despite the slight projected decline in automotive-related industries over the next five years, industry operators will benefit from rising demand for aluminum from automotive manufacturers.
Companies in this industry refine aluminum-bearing bauxite into alumina, smelt alumina to produce aluminum and manufacture aluminum products such as alloys, plate, sheet, foil and extrusions. The industry also includes companies that recover aluminum from scrap.
This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.
