Measurements of the tensile strength of spherical cold-pressed aluminium powder, pressed to various densities up to the theoretical maximum, have shown that compaction is a two-stage process. At some high, intermediate pressure, interparticle sliding occurs in a way that does not itself increase densification but makes it easier for further deformation to occur. It is likely that the pressure at which this sliding takes place is dependent on the work-hardening rate of the powder as well as the powder size and morphology. In any case, it is shown to be important to the densification and strength reached by the compact. It is concluded that the strength of a green compact is dependent upon the interparticle metallic contacts made during compaction. However, the green strength is well below that of wrought aluminium, probably due to the presence of broken-up oxides, which act as stress-concentrators at the interparticle boundaries.