Africa: Aluminum Market 2025

Aluminum Market Size in Africa

After two years of decline, the African aluminum market increased by 3.5% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Aluminum Production in Africa

In value terms, aluminum production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, saw a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 20%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Aluminum Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of aluminum were exported in Africa; growing by 28% compared with 2020 figures. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, aluminum exports surged to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated measured growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +33.3% against 2018 indices. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Mozambique (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) represented the major exporters of aluminum in 2021, resulting at near 41% and 30% of total exports, respectively. Nigeria (X tons) held an 11% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Egypt (7.2%) and Cameroon (4.6%). Ghana (X tons) held a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Nigeria (with a CAGR of +14.0%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Mozambique ($X), South Africa ($X) and Egypt ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, with a combined 83% share of total exports. Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 15%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Ghana, with a CAGR of +9.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, surging by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by 24% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while Nigeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mozambique (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Aluminum Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of aluminum were imported in Africa; surging by 28% compared with 2020. Total imports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +8.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +108.2% against 2013 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, aluminum imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports posted a remarkable increase. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Morocco (X tons) was the main importer of aluminum, creating 44% of total imports. South Africa (X tons) held a 13% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Nigeria (11%), Egypt (8.8%), Tunisia (8%) and Algeria (6.9%). Kenya (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to aluminum imports into Morocco stood at +17.8%. At the same time, Algeria (+26.5%), Nigeria (+14.6%), Egypt (+12.6%) and Tunisia (+5.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Algeria emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +26.5% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Kenya (-4.5%) and South Africa (-5.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Morocco (+23 p.p.), Algeria (+5.2 p.p.), Nigeria (+4.7 p.p.) and Egypt (+2.7 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Tunisia (-2.3 p.p.), Kenya (-6.1 p.p.) and South Africa (-30.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Morocco ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported aluminum in Africa, comprising 44% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Africa ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Egypt, with a 9.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Morocco amounted to +18.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: South Africa (-4.3% per year) and Egypt (+11.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2013; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in South Africa ($X per ton) and Egypt ($X per ton), while Nigeria ($X per ton) and Tunisia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+1.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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