US Q2 Aluminum Scrap Imports Rise 18% Quarter-on-Quarter to 314,000 Tonnes

According to reports on October 5, quarterly trends indicate an acceleration in US aluminum scrap import activity. Data from the Aluminum Association shows that US aluminum scrap imports reached 314,000 metric tonnes in the second quarter of 2026, an 18.05% increase from the 266,000 tonnes recorded in the first quarter. In the same period of the previous year (Q2 2025), imports stood at 222,000 tonnes, up 9.9% from the 202,000 tonnes seen in Q1 2025. In Q2 2024, imports totaled 167,000 tonnes, an 8.44% rise from the 154,000 tonnes recorded in Q1 2024. Cumulative six-month data highlights a sustained upward trend in US aluminum scrap imports, with volumes continuing to expand despite the evolving North American trade landscape. As a vital raw material source for US aluminum production, the growth in scrap imports reflects the expanding needs of the domestic recycled aluminum industry and underscores the pivotal role played by Canada and Mexico as key suppliers.