Aluminum Import 2023: Market Resilience

Global Aluminum (unwrought) Import 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 foundational industrial commodity, it feeds manufacturing sectors like automotive, construction, and packaging, making it highly sensitive to macroeconomic demand cycles.

Strategic Insights

• Market Momentum: Global imports of unwrought aluminum showed resilience in 2023, with monthly values frequently exceeding $2.5 billion. A mid-year dip was followed by a strong rebound, peaking at over $3.1 billion by November.
• Geographic Power: Supply is tightly controlled by Russia (21.97% export share), India, and Kazakhstan, while demand is led by industrial hubs like Mexico (20.76% import share) and Turkey. Exporters hold pricing leverage due to concentrated supply chains.
• Supply Chain Structure: The market is dominated by giants—top suppliers (e.g., RUSAL, Mitsubishi) command 86% of export value. Buyers face limited negotiating power, with bulk purchasers (e.g., Boeing) driving major but infrequent deals.

Global Aluminum (unwrought) Import Trend in 2023 Whole Year

Global imports of unwrought aluminum showed significant resilience throughout 2023, navigating considerable monthly volatility in trade flows.

• Aggregate Performance: Total import value remained robust across observed months, frequently exceeding $2.5 billion despite pronounced fluctuations.
• Period Dynamics: After a mid-year dip, import value surged to over $3.1 billion by November, indicating a strong year-end rebound in demand.

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

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

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Russia dominates supply with 21.97% global export value share ($7.83B), establishing strong pricing influence.
• Supply is triopolistic: Top 3 exporters (Russia, India, Kazakhstan) control 52.9% of global export value.
• India (16.29% value share) and Kazakhstan (14.64%) are key challengers, leveraging high-value exports despite lower shipment volumes.

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• Mexico (20.76% import value) and Turkey (13.71%) are the primary global buyers.
• Demand is industrial-driven: Top importers (Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, China) are major manufacturing/processing hubs, not end-consumer markets.
• Mexico shows dual role: Leading importer ($7.15B) while also ranking as the #4 global exporter ($1.87B), indicating re-export or processing activity.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Concentrated supply meets diversified demand: Top 3 exporters hold >50% value share, while top 3 importers represent 43.84% – indicating exporter pricing leverage.
• Flow follows manufacturing bases: Material moves from resource-rich exporters (Russia, India, Persian Gulf) to industrial processors (Turkey, Mexico, East Asia).
• POWER WITH EXPORTERS: Russia’s value dominance and tight top-3 supply control grant exporters stronger negotiation power versus fragmented industrial buyers.

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

Check Aluminum (unwrought) Import Detailed Country Profile

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

Check Aluminum (unwrought) Import Detailed Country Profile

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

Suppliers Concentration & Strategy

• Power Center = Highly Consolidated: Dominators (59% frequency, 86% value share) control the market. Just two firms (e.g., RUSAL, Mitsubishi) represent massive volume.
• Operational Style = High Volume, Steady Flow: Most value (97%) comes from high-frequency shippers (Dominators + Bulk Movers). Bulk Movers (e.g., Chuangxing Vietnam) add large, infrequent shipments.
• Buyer Implication: High reliance on few giants. Negotiating leverage is low. Diversifying to Bulk Movers offers spot volume but less stability. Low-value clusters are marginal players.

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Split: Dominators (51% frequency, 65% value) prefer steady, large shipments. Bulk Buyers (10% frequency, 27% value) drive major infrequent purchases (e.g., Boeing).
• Market Tier = Giant-Driven: Dominators and Bulk Buyers command 92% of import value. Low-frequency/high-value importers are critical for big projects. High-frequency/low-value buyers (e.g., Steelinvest) are smaller JIT players.

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Suppliers: Target Bulk Buyers (High Value/Low Freq) for project-based deals. Competing directly with Dominators requires massive scale.
• New Buyers: Secure long-term contracts with Dominators first. Use Bulk Movers for spot fills. Avoid over-reliance on niche suppliers.
• Negotiation: Expect rigidity from Dominators. Bulk Movers offer better spot terms but less consistency. Small buyers must aggregate demand to matter.

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Aluminum (unwrought)?

HS Code 7601 covers non-alloyed aluminum in primary forms like ingots, billets, and wire rod.

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 supply leader.

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

Top importers were Mexico ($7.15B), Turkey ($4.72B), and China ($3.22B). These are major manufacturing/processing hubs for aluminum products.

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

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

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

Trade Asymmetries occur because export data (FOB value) shows intended destinations, while import data (CIF value) reflects actual arrivals. Trans-shipments via hubs also cause discrepancies.

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 yTrade, focusing on key regions like Russia.