Japan Output and Shipment of Al Products Down in F2007

Japanese domestic production of aluminium rolled products was 2.31 million tonnes through fiscal 2007 ended March 2008, down by 2.6% year-on-year, while the shipment decreased by 2.7% to 2.3 million tonnes, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Monday. Both production and shipment represented year-on-year decrease for the first time since F2005. Demand for aluminium sashes remarkably impacted by the confusion after the start of Japanese new building standard law.Production and shipment of flat aluminium products increased slightly compared with F2006. Both represented year-on-year increase for 2 years in a row. The demand was steady from automobiles, general machines and exports despite slow shipment for distributors.Production and shipment of aluminium extrusions represented year-on-year decrease for the first time since F2005. Demand for construction materials became rather slow, which occupies more than half of the total aluminium extrusions.As to aluminium foils, the production showed year-on-year decrease for 3 years in a row and the shipment for 5 straight years. The demand was relatively steady from capacitors while weak from daily goods.