AMU
February 14, 2025
Written by Greg Wittbecker
The newly announced amendments to Section 232 boost the ad valorem duty from 10% to 25% for primary aluminum.
This boost in the rate gives Alcoa and Century Aluminum windfall revenue gains as the Midwest physical premium responds to this.
Recycler forward expectations swung toward oversupply in September as inventory drawdowns eased and export demand lost August’s improving responses.
Kibar Americas said production has started at its aluminum plant in Fairmont, W.Va., where it will manufacture products for the HVAC, packaging, automotive and industrial sectors.
China is bumping up against its official primary production capacity limit of 45.3 million metric tons/year, but production can still increase through “capacity creep.”
Automotive aluminum demand is rising as extrusions, sheet, and castings gain ground across vehicle applications and powertrains.
Recycler demand increased while fewer respondents reported sufficient obsolete scrap, even as inventory drawdowns remained widespread.