US’ shift to recycled aluminium results in crude metal and alloy imports decline till Aug’23

The United States aluminium crude metal and alloy imports from the United Arab Emirates continued to fall in August 2023 but at a slower rate than the previous month. According to the US Census Bureau data, the United States imported 23,100 tonnes of aluminium crude metal and alloy, which reflected a downfall of 12.5 per cent month-on-month.

In July 2023, the United States imports from the UAE were 26,400 tonnes, marking a drastic decline of 53.44 per cent from 56,700 tonnes a month ago. The month-on-month downfall in US aluminium crude metal and alloy imports from the UAE began in June 2023 when the volume stood 36.36 per cent lower than 89,100 tonnes in May.

The United States' overall imports of aluminium crude metal and alloy from various parts of the world were also less in August 2023 than in the previous month. Compared to 331,000 tonnes in July, the imports in August fell by 14.50 per cent to 283,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year calculation, the imports were 21.39 per cent down from 360,000 tonnes.

The above data indicates the US aluminium crude metal and alloy imports from the UAE dropped in August 20203 for the third month in a row. On a year-on-year calculation, the imports in August shrank by 67.33 per cent from 70,700 tonnes.

The fall in US aluminium crude metal and alloy imports could be attributed to the country's focus shift to recycled aluminium. To achieve decarbonisation and sustainability, the United States has increased the use of recycled aluminium to produce value-added products. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) noted at the GHG emissions intensity investigation hearing by USITC that nearly 80 per cent of the US aluminium is produced using recycled aluminium.

The United States aluminium crude metal and alloy imports from the UAE during January-August 2023 amounted to 357,000 tonnes, which was, on the other hand, up by 21.43 per cent from 294,000 tonnes.

However, the United States' total imports of crude metal and alloy from January to August 2023 stood lower at 2.6 million tonnes versus 2.85 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year.