With the exception of aluminum shipments in Canada which increased moderately the slowdown in shipments from 2011 levels that has characterized the second half of 2012 and continued in December left the year about even with 2011. Inventory to sales ratios however deteriorated across the board.
U.S. Service Center Activity
In December 2012, 91,900 ton of aluminum products were shipped by U.S service centers a decrease of 15.9% from the same month in 2011. For 2012, aluminum shipments were nearly 1.5 million ton a decrease of 0.9% from 2011.
Inventories of aluminum products were 365,600 ton at the end of December 2012 an increase of 2.4% over December a year ago and an increase of 0.1% from last month. At the current shipping rate this represents 4.0 months of supply in inventory an increase of 21.9% from a year ago.
Canadian Service Center Activity
In December 8,500 ton of aluminum products were shipped by Canadian service centers a decrease of 12.1% from the same month in 2011. For 2012, aluminum shipments were 157,100 ton an increase of 7.3% from 2011.
Inventories of aluminum products were 38,800 ton at the end of December 2012 an increase of 13.2% from December a year ago and a decrease of 1.5% from last month. At the current shipping rate this represents 4.5 months of supply in inventory, an increase of 28.8% from a year ago.
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