High-rise façades, electric vehicles, electronics and solar installations all rely on aluminium extrusion, where heated billets are shaped into precise, high-strength profiles. Its lightweight, durable and adaptable nature makes it widely used, as industries continue to prioritize efficiency and performance. Global aluminium extrusion consumption reached 34.27 million tons in 2024 and is expected to grow to 35.25 million tons in 2025, an increase of 2.9 per cent. By 2026, usage is projected to reach 36.14 million tons, growing by another 2.5 per cent.
Who is driving the demand?
Construction continues to carry the bulk of the load. It consumed 18.57 million tons in 2024 and is expected to edge up to 18.98 million tons in 2025, with growth of about 2.53 per cent through 2026. That translates to more than 60 per cent of global extrusion demand.
The reason is simple: aluminium does what modern buildings need. It is strong but light, resists corrosion and does not burn. From façades to windows and curtain walls, it fits both structural and design requirements. There is also a practical benefit-lighter materials reduce overall load, which helps in designing energy-efficient buildings. That combination keeps construction firmly in the lead. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026".
How are other sectors shaping demand?
Other sectors are not far behind, Transport used 6.31 million tons in 2024 and is expected to reach 6.53 million tons in 2025, growing at about 2.45 per cent CAGR in 2026.
In the electrical and electronics sector, extrusion usage stood at 2.42 million tons in 2024 and is projected to reach 2.48 million tons in 2025, indicating a CAGR of approximately 2.42 per cent between 2025 and 2026.
Meanwhile, the industrial sector recorded 3.86 million tons in 2024, with usage expected to reach 3.08 million tons in 2025, reflecting a CAGR of about 2.60 per cent in 2026.
Consumer durables rose slightly from 1.81 million tons in 2024 to a projected 1.84 million tons in 2025, and is expected to increase roughly 2.72 per cent in 2026.
Put together, these numbers show a pattern: demand is broad-based, but no single segment comes close to construction.
A regional market with very different realities
China: producing more than it consumes
China continues to set the tone. Consumption rose from 22.32 million tonnes in 2024 to 22.87 million tons in 2025 and is expected to grow at about 2.54 per cent going forward in 2026.
The country accounts for roughly 60–65 per cent of global capacity and produces about 23.5 million tons a year-more than it needs. That excess feed is exported, which reached around 1.1 million tons in 2025, while imports were around 98,070 tons.
Chinese extruders are also investing heavily in “green billets”, which are produced using renewable energy or post-consumer scrap, as part of the country’s carbon-neutrality objectives. This shift aligns with global sustainability trends and strengthens China’s competitiveness in markets increasingly influenced by carbon-related trade policies. Also read: Global aluminium extrusion market stabilises in 2025 as China rises, Europe slows, and growth builds across Asia, Americas and MEA
Rest of Asia-Pacific: demand runs ahead of supply
Across the rest of Asia-Pacific, consumption increased from 3.16 million tonnes in 2024 to 3.31 million tons in 2025, with growth of about 2.42 per cent expected in 2026.
In this region, key extrusion producers include Hindalco, which operates plants at Renukoot and Alupuram with a combined capacity of 115,000 tons, Hydro Extruded Solutions with around 1.4 million tons of global capacity, and LB Aluminium Berhad, which operates Malaysia’s largest 4,300-tonne press. However, this capacity is not sufficient to meet demand, and the region continues to rely heavily on imports.
In 2025, Vietnam imported 168,008 tons, India 166,295 tons, Malaysia 111,890 tons, Turkey 117,921 tons, Australia 92,317 tons, Japan 38,624 tons and Indonesia 33,402 tons, underscoring how regional demand continues to outpace domestic production.
Europe: strong demand, not enough capacity
Europe shows a familiar pattern-steady demand, limited supply. Consumption rose from 3.43 million tons in 2024 to 3.49 million tons in 2025, with growth of about 2.58 per cent expected in 2026.
Large players such as Hydro Extrusions (1.4 million tons capacity, 1.0 million tons sales in 2025) and Constellium (0.8 million tons capacity) are present, but they do not fully meet demand. As a result, imports remain high. The European Union imported around 775,049 tons in 2025, while the UK added another 123,540 tons.
There are signs of change. EAS Aluminium commissioned a 35,000 m² facility in 2025 using Presezzi technology, targeting over 20,000 tons capacity and focusing on energy efficiency and exports.
