Japan Aluminium Demand Hits First Rise in 2 Years

Japanese demand of aluminium ingot and rolled products increased by 0.5% to 2.207 million tonnes in the first half year to September from same period of 2007, which represents the first increase in 2 years, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Friday. The output increased due to firm demand for transport and automobile and export. However, the full year demand could decrease from fiscal 2007 due to slower worldwide economy after US financial crisis.

The demand increased by 0.5% to 1.168 million tonnes for rolled products in the first half from same period of 2007 due to firm demand for can material despite of slower building demand. The demand increased by 1.8% to 213,722 tonnes for castings, by 0.2% to 544,412 tonnes for die-castings and by 8.3% to 24,275 tonnes for forgings. The demand was firm due to strong activity in automobile industry until the summer.

The demand increased except for general machinery, civil works and building and chemical in the first half from same period of 2007. The export increased while the domestic demand was almost flat.