Russia Leads Aluminum Exports 2023: Market Power

Global Aluminum (unwrought) Export Market Landscape

In global trade, Aluminum (unwrought) is tracked under HS Code 7601, covering raw aluminum not yet worked into semi-finished or finished products. As a critical industrial commodity, it serves as the foundational material for manufacturing sectors, from automotive to construction, driving high-volume trade flows.

Expert Analysis Update (Dec 2025)

“While the data shows Russia leading with $7.83B, the real story for traders is the Unit Price Divergence. At $1.26/kg in November, unwrought aluminum prices are decoupling from raw material costs, signaling a strategic stockpile by Mexican and Turkish manufacturing hubs. If you are sourcing from Kazakhstan, watch the MoM weight volatility—it's the highest in the sector.”

Post-Volatility Recovery: Why Aluminum Exports Peaked at $3.14B in Q4

Global unwrought aluminum exports in 2023 demonstrated significant volatility while showing overall resilience in trade value.

• Aggregate Performance: Total observed export value across the year remained substantial, punctuated by sharp monthly swings in both value and volume.
• Period Dynamics: Trade flows began strongly at $2.87B in January and recovered to a robust $3.14B by November, highlighting a market that weathered considerable mid-year fluctuations.

Table: Aluminum (unwrought) Export Trend in 2023 Whole Year

Missing data for 2023-10? Download the Full Q4 Aluminum Trade Matrix to see the hidden supply shifts between Kazakhstan and China

Aluminum (unwrought) Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Russia dominates global supply, commanding 21.97% of export value ($7.83B) despite only 8.39% of quantity.
• Supply is consolidated: Top 3 exporters (Russia, India, Kazakhstan) hold 52.9% of global export value.
• India (16.29% value share, $5.80B) and Kazakhstan (14.64% value share, $5.22B) are key challengers, leveraging high-value exports.

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• Mexico ($7.15B, 20.76% value share) and Turkey ($4.72B, 13.71% value share) are the primary global buyers.
• Demand is industrial-driven: Major importers like Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, and China are manufacturing/processing hubs, not end-consumers.
• China Mainland emerges as a critical high-value importer (9.37% value share, $3.22B) despite modest quantity share (2.58%).

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Balance: Consolidated supply (led by Russia) meets moderately concentrated industrial demand (led by Mexico/Turkey).
• Flow: Material moves from resource-rich nations (Russia, India, Middle East) to manufacturing centers (Mexico, Turkey, East Asia).
• Takeaway: Exporters hold pricing power. Russia’s value dominance and supply concentration outweigh fragmented buyer influence.

Table: Global Aluminum (unwrought) Export —— Top Destination Countries

Check Aluminum (unwrought) Export Detailed Country Profile

Table: Global Aluminum (unwrought) Export —— Top origin Countries

Check Aluminum (unwrought) Export Detailed Country Profile

Global Aluminum (unwrought) Export Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers

The "Russia Premium": Why 22% Value Share Matters More than Volume

• Export Market Highly Consolidated: Dominators (59.47% of shipments) hold 86.36% of total export value. A tiny group controls the market.
• Operational Style: Dominators drive the market with frequent, high-volume shipments. Bulk Movers (High Value, Low Freq) also hold notable value share (10.73%) via large, infrequent deals.
• Buyer Implication: High reliance on major players like RUSAL BRATSK and Mitsubishi International. Limited flexibility; buyers face strong pricing power from dominant suppliers. Diversifying into Bulk Movers offers spot opportunities but less stability.

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Split: Dominators (50.84% frequency, 64.91% value) favor steady, large restocks. Bulk Movers (10.15% frequency, 26.89% value) drive major value through infrequent, massive purchases (e.g., CMS JANT, STEEL STRIPS WHEELS).
• Market Tier: Dominated by large industrial buyers like RTI Ltd and Daiki Aluminium. Bulk Movers represent another key segment making huge, periodic buys. Smaller players (Retail/JIT and Niche) are numerous but low-impact on total value.

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Buyers: Target Dominators (RTI Ltd, Daiki) for stable supply via long-term contracts. Engage Bulk Movers for spot deals but expect volatility. Avoid over-reliance on fragmented smaller suppliers.
• New Sellers: Focus sales efforts on Dominator importers needing continuous supply. Pitch Bulk Movers for large project-based opportunities. Low-value clusters offer limited scale potential. Expect tough negotiations with top buyers controlling the market.

Table: Global Aluminum (unwrought) Export —— Top Buyers

Access Aluminum (unwrought) Trade Company Profile

Table: Global Aluminum (unwrought) Export —— Top Suppliers

Access Aluminum (unwrought) Trade Company Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Aluminum (unwrought)?

The HS Code is 7601. It covers unwrought aluminum, including alloys, in forms like ingots, blocks, slabs, billets, and plates.

Which country is the largest exporter of Aluminum (unwrought) in 2023 Whole Year?

Russia dominated global exports with $7.83B in value, making it the top supplier in 2023.

Who are the top importers of Aluminum (unwrought) in 2023 Whole Year?

Mexico ($7.15B), Turkey ($4.72B), and China Mainland ($3.22B) were the leading importers. These markets serve as major consumption hubs or processing centers.

Who are the major suppliers and companies trading Aluminum (unwrought) in 2023 Whole Year?

Top suppliers include АО КАЗАХСТАНСКИЙ ЭЛЕКТРОЛИЗНЫЙ ЗАВОД ($4.87B) and HINDALCO INDUSTRIES LIMITED ($2.07B). Key buyers are RS INTERNATIONAL GMBH ($2.12B) and RTI LIMITED ($1.88B).

Why do Aluminum (unwrought) import rankings sometimes differ from export destination lists?

Trade asymmetries arise because exports report the intended destination (FOB value), while imports record the actual arrival (CIF value). Trans-shipment hubs can also cause discrepancies between exporter and importer data.

How to find reliable Aluminum (unwrought) suppliers and exporters in 2023 Whole Year?

Access verified shipment records and active supplier lists for HS Code 7601 via the yTrade database, which identifies partners in key regions like Russia.