Eastern Asia: Aluminum Market 2025

Aluminum Market Size in Eastern Asia

The East Asian aluminum market was estimated at $X in 2021, increasing by 2.6% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Aluminum Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, aluminum production dropped slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Aluminum Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of aluminum decreased by -6.9% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, exports saw a slight decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 13% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, aluminum exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of export peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

South Korea represented the key exporting country with an export of about X tons, which accounted for 49% of total exports. Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 24% share, followed by China (21%). Japan (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

South Korea was also the fastest-growing in terms of the aluminum exports, with a CAGR of +22.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Japan (+9.5%) and Taiwan (Chinese) (+3.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, China (-14.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. South Korea (+42 p.p.), Taiwan (Chinese) (+8.7 p.p.) and Japan (+2.4 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while China saw its share reduced by -51.6% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the largest aluminum supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 50% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 22% share of total exports. It was followed by Taiwan (Chinese), with a 21% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Korea stood at +24.1%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (-13.1% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (+2.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 39% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Japan ($X per ton) and China ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) and South Korea ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+1.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Aluminum Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, purchases abroad of aluminum increased by 14% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 32%. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, aluminum imports surged to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% 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 +97.4% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

China (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the major importers of aluminum in 2021, finishing at near 36% and 34% of total imports, respectively. South Korea (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, distantly followed by Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 30% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +18.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), Japan ($X) and South Korea ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together accounting for 90% of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, China, with a CAGR of +19.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 43% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in South Korea ($X per ton) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while China ($X per ton) and Japan ($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 Korea (+1.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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