The August North American net new aluminum mill orders index fell 3.5% year on year to 113.51, but was up 3.3% from July, according to the Aluminum Association's monthly report released Friday.
Year-to-date, the new mill orders index was down 3.9%, the report said.
August plate orders jumped 25.6% year on year and were also up 19.3% from July, while sheet orders slipped 1.8% year on year but gained 6.2% from July.
Orders of extruded products in August edged up 0.8% year on year but slipped 0.9% from July, while orders of foil jumped 17.4% year on year and were also up 9.2% from July.
August orders of domestic can stock fell 14.7% year on year but edged up 0.9% from July. Orders of export can stock, meanwhile, gained 10% year on year and were also up 1.8% from July.
The association's non-seasonally adjusted index is based on reports by 24 participants of new orders, less cancellations, received for the previous month. The 24 participants represent 85-90% of total industry shipments in the US and Canada.
