Prospects

Global consumption of primary aluminium in 2015 compared to 2014 increased by 6% to 58 mln tonnes. It is expected, that at this rate (4-6% a year), there will be a continued increase in aluminium consumption for the next 5-7 years minimum.

The growth of aluminium consumption is taking place amidst global urbanisation and industrialisation. If in countries which have developed economies a high level of economic development has already been reached, then developing countries are trying very hard to catch up.

The highest quantity of aluminium goes to the transport and construction sectors of the economy; in 2017, this was 27% and 25% respectively.

Therefore, it is expected that in the coming years, the transport sector will be the main force behind growing demand for aluminium around the world.

The flagship here is the automotive industry. The quantity of aluminium used in vehicle parts grows year on year. If 10 years ago, around 90-100kg of aluminium were used to make one vehicle, this number can reach up to 160kg today, and it is predicted that 1 vehicle will use at least 250kg of aluminium by 2025.

The growth in demand for aluminium from the world auto-industry is linked primarily to the need to facilitate the construction of automobiles with the aim to increase efficiency of the work.

Another prospect for growth in aluminium use in transport is the development of high-speed railroads.

The growth in aluminium consumption in developing countries is linked to the development of aluminium consumption in electronics and construction.

An increased use of aluminium in construction, in particular will encourage the widespread standards for eco-friendly construction, and energy-efficient technologies.

The spread of aluminium use in electronics is linked not only to the growing need for electrification and new construction in the country, but also the increasing number of alternative energy projects where aluminium is becoming particularly popular as the most eco-friendly metal.

The Russian market is not excluded from following the worldwide tendencies; however, it is currently falling behind in this respect. This situation is linked not only to the general economic situation that is hindering development in processing production, but also to the existing standards that prevent the application of aluminium, particularly in construction and electronics.

At the same time, aluminium is undoubtedly a material of the future, and one of the main challenges for the Aluminium Association is to promote expansion of aluminium usage in all industrial sectors and areas of life. With this goal in mind, a programme is being carried out together with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and participants of the aluminium market to encourage aluminium consumption.