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Aluminium in Mexico Final Customers Identification

Customers Categorization

Within the Mexican aluminium value chain, the identification of final customers requires distinguishing between businesses that consume aluminium components or products as part of their manufacturing process and the end consumers who purchase the final goods containing aluminium. Based on the provided value chain analysis, the final customers are predominantly Business-to-Business (B2B) entities, with the ultimate demand being driven by Business-to-Consumer (B2C) markets.

B2B Customers: These are the direct recipients of fabricated or semi-fabricated aluminium products from participants further up the value chain. The primary B2B customers identified are within the major end-use industries:

  • Automotive Sector: Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and their Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers are significant B2B customers. Examples include Stellantis, GM, VW, and the future Tesla Gigafactory. They purchase aluminium castings (like engine blocks and EV battery housings), sheet metal (for body panels), and extruded profiles for structural components.
  • Construction Sector: Construction companies, developers, and manufacturers of building systems are key B2B customers. They acquire aluminium extrusions for window and door frames, curtain walls, and structural applications, as well as potentially sheet and plate for roofing and facades.
  • Packaging Sector: Beverage fillers and food companies are B2B customers who purchase aluminium can sheet and foil from rolling mills and packaging manufacturers. Examples include Grupo Bimbo and FEMSA.
  • Electrical & Others: Manufacturers in the electrical industry use aluminium for conductors and components. Other industrial sectors utilize aluminium in various machinery and equipment. These also represent B2B customer segments.

B2C Customers: While not directly purchasing raw or semi-fabricated aluminium, individual consumers are the ultimate drivers of demand in the end-use industries.

  • Vehicle Buyers: Consumers purchasing cars and trucks represent the B2C market that fuels the automotive sector's demand for aluminium, particularly as manufacturers increase aluminium content for lightweighting and EV production.
  • Homeowners and Building Occupants: Individuals and businesses occupying residential and commercial buildings drive the demand for construction, which in turn requires aluminium building systems.
  • Consumers of Packaged Goods: Individuals purchasing canned beverages and food products directly influence the demand for aluminium packaging.

Detailed Report on Final Customers Categorization and Characteristics

The final customers in the Mexican aluminium value chain are primarily B2B entities operating within major industrial sectors. These businesses integrate aluminium into their final products, driven by the material's properties and cost-effectiveness. The characteristics and demographics of these B2B customers are tied to the specific requirements and market dynamics of their respective industries.

B2B Customer Characteristics and Demographics:

  • Automotive Sector: This is the largest consumer of aluminium in Mexico, accounting for over 45% of domestic demand.
    • Characteristics: These customers require high-quality, precision-engineered aluminium components and materials. They operate under strict quality management systems (like IATF 16949) and demand just-in-time delivery due to their production line requirements. There is a strong focus on lightweighting to improve fuel efficiency in internal combustion engine vehicles and extend range in electric vehicles. The demographics of this sector are concentrated in major automotive manufacturing hubs across Mexico, particularly in regions with significant foreign direct investment in vehicle assembly plants.
    • Examples: Stellantis, GM, VW, and the under-construction Tesla Gigafactory in Nuevo León are major players. Their demand is projected to increase as aluminium content per vehicle rises from 140 kg in 2020 to an estimated 180 kg by 2027.
  • Construction Sector: This sector represents approximately 25% of the domestic aluminium demand.
    • Characteristics: Customers in construction require durable, weather-resistant, and often aesthetically pleasing aluminium profiles and systems. Demand is influenced by new construction projects (residential, commercial, industrial) and renovation activities. Relationships often involve sales through distributors to installers, with contract terms and pricing reflecting the project nature and aluminium price fluctuations.
    • Demographics: Demand is concentrated in urban development corridors and areas experiencing growth in housing and commercial construction.
  • Packaging Sector: This sector consumes around 18% of the domestic aluminium volume.
    • Characteristics: Key customers are beverage and food companies who require high-volume, consistent supply of thin-gauge aluminium sheet and foil with specific barrier properties and printability characteristics. The strong recyclability narrative of aluminium packaging is a significant factor for these customers. The industry operates on a closed-loop system for beverage cans, involving efficient collection and recycling programs.
    • Examples: Grupo Bimbo and FEMSA are cited as anchor customers for can sheet and foil. Demand is substantial, with projected metal demand for cans reaching 450 kt by 2025.
  • Electrical & Others: This category accounts for the remaining 12% of domestic aluminium consumption.
    • Characteristics: Customers in the electrical sector prioritize aluminium's conductivity and low weight for cables and components. Other industrial users have diverse requirements depending on the specific application, focusing on properties like strength, corrosion resistance, or thermal conductivity.
    • Demographics: These customers are spread across various industrial manufacturing regions in Mexico.

B2C Customer Characteristics and Demographics (as drivers of B2B demand):

The B2C customers are the end consumers whose purchasing decisions ultimately influence the demand signals for aluminium components within the value chain.

  • Characteristics: Consumer demographics influencing demand include income levels (affecting car and housing purchases), lifestyle choices (impacting consumption of canned beverages and packaged food), and increasing awareness of sustainability and recyclability (favoring aluminium packaging and lightweight vehicles).
  • Demographics: Mexico's growing middle class and urban population contribute to increased demand in the automotive, construction, and packaging sectors.

In summary, the final customers are primarily B2B entities in the automotive, construction, and packaging sectors, characterized by specific technical requirements, volume demands, and logistical needs. Their activities and purchasing patterns are directly influenced by the underlying B2C market demand for the final products containing aluminium.

References:

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