Japan Rolled Al Shipment Shows First Y/Y Increase as 1H in 4 Years

Japanese domestic production of aluminium rolled products, including plates and extrusions, totaled 1.17 million tonnes in the first half of fiscal 2008 (Apr-Sep), announced Japan Aluminium Association on Tuesday. The production decreased by 0.2% from a year earlier and represented year-on-year down for 2 years in a row. On the other hand, the shipment represented the first year-on-year increase as 1H in 4 years, which totaled 1.17 million tonnes in 1H and increased by 0.5% from a year earlier. The shipment increased thanks to the stable demand from automobiles and can materials though construction related demand maintained stagnant.

Aluminium plate production and shipment both represented year-on-year increase as 1H for 2 years in a row. The demand increased from printing boards, general machineries and wholesalers. The export increased by 9% in 1H from a year ago. Plate production approached the record high volume as 1H.

Aluminium extrusion production and shipment both showed year-on-year down as 1H for 2 straight years. The demand was stagnant from construction market, especially for sashes and doors. The shipment increased slightly for automotive parts.

As to aluminium foils, the production represented year-on-year decrease as 1H for 4 straight years and the shipment for 2 years. The demand maintained weak from export while stable from capacitors.