美国铝厂大火，“烧出”供应链脆弱一环

Core Viewpoint - The fire incident at Novelis' plant in Oswego, New York, is expected to halt production until early next year, significantly impacting the supply of aluminum for the U.S. automotive industry, which relies on this facility for approximately 40% of its aluminum sheet supply [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Aluminum in Manufacturing - Aluminum is referred to as the "universal metal" due to its lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, ease of processing, conductivity, and recyclability, making it essential across various industries including automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, packaging, and renewable energy [3][5]. - The demand for aluminum is increasing, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, where reducing vehicle weight is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and range [6][11]. Group 2: U.S. Aluminum Industry Challenges - The U.S. aluminum industry has been in decline, with domestic production dropping to only 670,000 tons in 2024, representing less than 1% of global output, a stark contrast to its peak of 4.65 million tons in 1980 [14][16]. - The decline is attributed to a lack of bauxite reserves and high electricity costs, which are critical for aluminum production. The U.S. has only 20 million tons of economically recoverable bauxite, a negligible amount compared to global reserves [20][28]. Group 3: Recycling and Strategic Responses - The U.S. is increasingly relying on recycled aluminum, with 2023 production reaching approximately 3.31 million tons, surpassing primary aluminum production and becoming a cornerstone of the U.S. aluminum supply [32][33]. - The U.S. government has recognized aluminum as a strategic material, leading to increased tariffs on imports to protect domestic production, although this has not effectively addressed the underlying issues of electricity supply and production costs [38][50].