US, Mexican aluminum associations sign joint statistics MOU

Officials from the US and Mexican national aluminum associations have signed a memorandum of understanding clearing the way for a joint statistics program and the first North American aluminum demand report, the Aluminum Association said Friday.

Currently The Aluminum Association, in cooperation with the Canadian Aluminum Association, publishes aluminum demand data for the US and Canada.

"Today's action is significant in bringing added value to our respective memberships and in making more information available to all those interested in the North American aluminum industry," said Pat Franc, president of Arco Aluminum and chairman of The Aluminum Association, in a statement.

"A successful statistics program will form the basis for co-operation on further programs to better serve our respective memberships," said Eduardo Musalum Younes, president of Almexa Aluminio and chairman of Mexico's Instituto del Aluminio.

"Working together will allow our respective organizations to leverage our assets in response to changes in our membership and to the dynamic nature of the global aluminum market," said Eugenio Clariond Rangel, vice-president of operations of Empresas Cuprum, and a member of The Aluminum Association's board.

Instituto del Aluminio, based in Mexico City, is the trade association representing the Mexican aluminum industry and provides liaison with domestic and international organizations in the private and public sectors.