Primary Production
Primary aluminum production increased 1.5 percent in September over August.
Net Shipments
Industry shipments, including exports, totaled an estimated 2,217 million pounds
in August, an increase of 10.4 percent over July and down 5.3 percent from
a year earlier.
Trade Balance
According to the Department of Commerce, U.S. exports of aluminum ingot and
mill products totaled 572 million pounds during August, an increase of 5.3
percent over July and up 11.6 percent over a year earlier. Imports were reported
at 431 million pounds, up 16.2 percent over July and down 23.9 percent from
a year earlier.
Mill Orders
The Association’s Index of Industry Net New Orders of Aluminum Mill Products
for September decreased 12.5 percent from August, to 101.8. September’s
figure was 7.6 percent lower than a year earlier.
Auto Production
North American light vehicle production in September totaled 1,195,000 units,
a decrease of 15.4 percent from August and down 2.8 percent from a year earlier.
Construction
Privately owned housing starts in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual
rate of 1,327,000, down 3.2 percent from July. Total construction activity
for August ($1,167 billion) increased 0.3 percent over July ($1,164 billion).
