North American aluminum mill orders up 10.2% in February

The North American net new aluminum mill order index registered a 10.2% increase in February versus February 2010, and a 1.2% increase from the previous month, according to the Aluminum Association.

February sheet orders were up 3.7% over February 2010 levels, but down 2.1% from January 2011.

February orders of extruded products climbed 20.7% from February 2010, but fell 3.2% from the previous month.

February orders of foil rose 16.8% from a year ago, but declined 3.4% from a month ago.

February plate orders increased 22% over February 2010 levels, and jumped 16.1% from January 2011.

Orders of US domestic can stock last month were up a slight 1.3% from last year, and rose 1.7% from January. Meanwhile, January orders of export can stock saw a 50.1% surge from last year, and 25.6% rise from the previous month.

The index is based on reports of new orders (less cancellations) received by 19 participants for the previous month. The Aluminum Association reports orders using an index system where an average month in 2007 is equal to 100.