Aluminum Market Trends

Global Aluminum Market Overview

The global aluminum market was valued at USD 183.7 Billion in 2023. The Aluminum industry is projected to grow from USD 193.25 Billion in 2024 to USD 289.90 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The global Aluminum market is prominently influenced by many market-driven factors. Some of the market-driven factors that are slated to fuel the global market growth include increasing Aluminum demand in the construction industry and its growing demand from the automotive industry. Apart from these factors, high demand from emerging economies of Asia-Pacific due to growing end user industries in the region is projected to trigger global Aluminum market growth in the near future.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Aluminum Market Trends

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  GROWING DEMAND FOR ALUMINUM IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

  
  

Aluminum metals are typically alloys in which aluminum is the dominant metal, and other elements such as copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, tin, and zinc are intimately mixed. Rolling, casting, forging, drawing, tubing, extrusion, and other metal processing methods are used, as with most other metals. This processing method allows aluminum alloys to be transformed into various forms. As a result, aluminum products are classified as sheet and plate, foil, extruded products, forged products, wire and cable, casting/foundry products, and paste and powder. These types of aluminum products are used for various applications in the construction industry, such as roofs, sidings and claddings, HVAC channels, gutters and downspouts, electric armors, windows and doors, skylights, curtain walls and facades, furniture and decorations, pipes and tubes, renewable energy devices, components of windows, doors, facades, and others.

The global construction market is expected to grow by USD 6.4 trillion in 2020 and reach USD 14.4 trillion by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to have the fastest growth in regional construction, followed by emerging Asia. China, India, the US, and Indonesia account for 58.3% of global construction growth.

Global infrastructure development is heavily reliant on government spending. This implies that investment will depend on the government's ability to fund spending. Long-term stable and index-linked infrastructure returns, on the other hand, are generally well matched to the needs of large superannuation funds. According to Global Construction Market Survey, the growth in the APAC region is subjected to various government policies. For instance, China in 2021 focused on mortgage lending, approvals for home sales and property loans, as well as restrictions on using proceeds from pre-sales, also been eased to ensure that there is enough liquidity to maintain steady growth in the construction industry. Similarly, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India (MoRTH) announced an investment worth $92.4 billion for infrastructure projects to be spent in the upcoming years. Furthermore, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 250 million loan in November 2021 to support the development of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), which is part of a USD 500 million loan to construct 11 industrial corridors spanning 17 states. Also, the Indian Government and the Dubai Government have inked an agreement to construct industrial parks, IT towers, logistics centers, medical colleges, multipurpose towers, and a specialized hospital in various parts of the country.

In the North American region, the private sector construction spending experienced a positive trend in 2021. The Canadian government has pledged to build and maintain infrastructure throughout the country. The government has set aside over USD 180 billion (CAD) in key infrastructure for the next decade under the 'Investing in Canada Plan.' The plan includes funding for long-awaited projects such as public transportation, affordable housing, and rural community development, among others. Thus, growing construction activities globally will propel the demand for aluminum in the construction industry.

INCREASING DEMAND FOR ALUMINUM IN THE POWER SECTOR

Aluminum has high structural strength, lightweight, good conductivity, high flexibility, and non-magnetic properties. It has versatile applications in the power sector, such as cables, busbars, overhead transmission lines, motors, foil windings, electrolytic capacitors, heating elements, heat sinks, and many more. Weight is critical for high-voltage power lines that transport power over long distances. Aluminum wires have a 1.5 times larger cross-section than copper wires and are two times lighter. Lightweight aluminum wires reduce the load onto grid pylons and increase the distance of spans between them, thus reducing expenses and shortening construction time. The various types of wires used for high-voltage powerlines are Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR), Aluminum Alloy Conductor (AAAC), and Aluminum Conductor Composite Core (ACCC).

These wires are preferably used in upcoming power sector projects and replace existing copper conductors worldwide. Various companies prefer using aluminum wires when constructing new power lines, particularly low-voltage lines. For instance, the National Electric Code (USA) requires the use of aluminum wiring in the construction of new powerlines. Similarly, in September 2015, China implemented new standards for the use of low-voltage aluminum conductors.

Energy consumption worldwide is rising due to the growing population, rising incomes, and improving living standards. Other factors responsible for growth are increased migration into cities and urbanization, which will require increased construction and infrastructure, making it essential to ensure people's power supply availability. Also, due to the increasing electricity demand, there is an opportunity to sell surplus power. International projects like Cross Border Grid Interconnection to link the national grids of neighboring countries can also drive electricity demand. The electrical vehicle market is also significantly driving growth in electricity demand to meet the power charging stations' demand. Thus, with growing demand in the power sector in terms of power generation, transmission & distribution, the demand for aluminum-based cables and equipment will rise, which may increase the demand for aluminum in the power sector.

GROWING AWARENESS OF SUSTAINABILITY IN THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY

Aluminum foil is a thin aluminum sheet ranging from about 0.006 mm to the upper ISO-defined limit of 0.2 mm (200 µm). It is used in various applications, from all types of packaging to technical applications, due to its lightweight and excellent properties. Its unique combination of properties, such as impermeability, flexibility, strength, elasticity, recyclability, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and compatibility with other materials, qualify aluminum foil for an infinite variety of uses such as in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, bakery, cosmetics & personal care, dairy, confectionery, and others.

The increasing use of aluminum foil in food and beverage packaging is expected to be a major driver of industry growth. The processed food industry is expanding rapidly as the urban population grows and consumer lifestyles change. Furthermore, the availability of packaged food products through online channels is helping the food & beverage industry grow, which is expected to impact industry growth positively. Also, rising consumer awareness about the environmental impact of plastic is increasing demand for alternative packaging solutions, which is benefiting the aluminum packaging industry. According to IBEF, the Indian food and grocery market is the world's sixth largest, with retail accounting for 70% of sales. The Indian food processing industry ranks fifth in production, consumption, and export and is one of the country's most important industries, accounting for 32% of the total food market.

Technological advancements, such as the development of modified atmosphere technology (MAP), which aids in locking in the freshness of food by controlling the blend of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen inside flexible packaging, are expected to support industry growth.

Aluminum beverage cans and aluminum aerosol cans are other common applications in the packaging industry used in preserving sensitive household, pharmaceutical, and food products. According to European Aluminum Association, the recycling rate for used aluminum beverage cans in Europe stands at 74.5%; an important milestone on the route to Europe’s voluntary recycling target of 80% by 2030 is likely to be the preferred way of packaging in the future. Thus, changing lifestyles and growing awareness of sustainability in the packaging industry may boost the growth of the aluminum industry.

Aluminum Market Segment Insights

Aluminum by Type Insights

Based on type, the global Aluminum market is segmented into primary aluminum and secondary aluminum. The primary aluminum segment accounted for the market share of 87.12% in 2021, with a market value of USD 1,46,450.2 million; it is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. The secondary aluminum segment accounted for the 12.88% market share in 2021, valued at USD 21,658.7 million; it is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period. Primary aluminum is used extensively throughout many sectors, including transportation, commerce, technology, medicine, and more. This is because primary aluminum has a wide variety of alloys and is simple to shape. Primary aluminum ingots can be made into sheets, pipes, flats, and other items.

Aluminum by Product Type Insights

Based on product type, the global Aluminum market is segmented into flat-rolled, castings, extrusions, rod & bar, forgings, and others. The flat-rolled segment accounted for the largest market share of 37.91% in 2021, with a market value of USD 63,733.6 million; it is expected to register a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The forgings segment accounted for the second largest market share in 2021, valued at USD 30,829.8 million; it is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. A warmed aluminum slab is reduced through passes between paired, flat-surfaced steel rolls to achieve the final thickness. Rolled aluminum is one of the most adaptable materials available for major industries, including packaging, transportation, building, and construction, because of its lightweight, high strength, and durability. Flat-rolled aluminum products are produced using both hot rolling and cold rolling techniques.

Aluminum by Application Insights

Based on application, the global Aluminum market is segmented into building & construction, automotive & transportation, foil & packaging, power, machinery & equipment (industrial), consumer goods, and others. The automotive & transportation segment accounted for the largest market share of 25.73% in 2021, with a market value of USD 43,252.0 million; it is expected to register a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The building & construction segment accounted for the second largest market share of 24.81% in 2021, valued at USD 41,702.1 million; it is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period.

Due to its high strength, lightweight, recyclable, corrosion resistance, and thermal and electrical conductivity, aluminum is mostly employed in the automotive sector. It is widely utilized in buses, lorries, and passenger cars. Additionally, around 90% of the aluminum utilized in the car is recycled at the end of its life. Numerous automakers have recently increased their usage of aluminum in various components, including the hybrid engine compartment, roof, damper strut console, and doorframes, to increase the efficiency of automobiles.

Aluminum Regional Insights

The global Aluminum market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Among these, Asia-Pacific dominated the market with a share of 62.25%, accounting for USD 1,04,645.6 million in 2021; it is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.9% from 2022 to 2030. Europe was the second largest, with a share of 16.97% in 2021, sized at USD 28,524.6 million; it is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.5%. The sizable aluminum industry in Asia-Pacific is likely to make the region the largest expanding global market for aluminum. The aluminum market is also anticipated to grow throughout the forecast period due to rising building & construction in developing nations like China and India. Because of the high demand for aluminum for construction and automotive, Europe has been actively monitoring the Asia-Pacific market.

Aluminum Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Aluminum Market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Aluminum Market industry must offer cost-effective products to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the global Aluminum industry to benefit clients and expand the Aluminum market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. The market for Aluminum is recognized as being extremely competitive and fragmented. The market for Aluminum offers considerable potential opportunities for domestic and unorganized companies. Some of the key players operating in the Aluminum Market are Alcoa Corporation, Century Aluminum Company, JW Aluminum, Kaiser Aluminum, Novelis Aluminum, C-KOE Metals, Norsk Hydro ASA, Rusal, Rio Tinto Group, Hindalco Industries Limited, NALCO, and National Aluminum Extrusion LLC are the major companies in the market at the present that are competing in terms of quality, price, and availability.

Alcoa Corporation- Alcoa Corporation launched EcoSource, the industry's first low-carbon, smelter-grade alumina brand, in its Sustana product line. Compared to the industry average of 1.2 tons of CO2e, EcoSource is produced with no more than 0.6 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) per ton of alumina. In addition to indirect emissions from the energy used in these processes, Alcoa's measurement considers both direct emissions from the company's bauxite mining and alumina refining activities.

RUSAL- RUSAL has acquired of Aluminum Rheinfelden GmbH ("Aluminum Rheinfelden") following approval by the German Federal Cartel Office and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The acquisition strengthens United Company RUSAL's position as the preferred supplier to its global network of automotive customers and is expected to generate significant commercial synergies by combining Aluminum Rheinfelden's high-end, niche product focus with United Company RUSAL's global scale low-carbon aluminum alloy production.

Key Companies in the Aluminum Market includes

• Alcoa Corporation


• Century Aluminum Company


• JW Aluminum


• Kaiser Aluminum


• Novelis Aluminum


• C-KOE Metals


• Norsk Hydro ASA


• Rusal


• Rio Tinto Group


• Hindalco Industries Limited


• NALCO


• National Aluminum Extrusion LLC

Aluminum Market Segmentation

Aluminum Type Outlook

• Primary


• Secondary

Aluminum Product Type Outlook

• Flat Rolled          


• Castings


• Extrusions


• Rod & bar


• Forgings


• Others

Aluminum Application Outlook

• Building & Construction


• Automotive & Transportation


• Foil & Packaging


• Power


• Machinery & Equipment Industrial)


• Consumer Goods


• Others

Aluminum Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Latin America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  • Argentina
  
  
  • Rest of Latin Ameria
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • GCC Countries
  
  
  • South Africa
  
  
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa