Demand for Al Rolled Products Stays Low in January, Japan

Japanese production of rolled aluminium products was 172,691 tonnes and the shipment was 176,301 tonnes in January, announced Japan Aluminium Association on Wednesday. The production decreased by 3.3% from a year earlier and the shipment downed by 2.6%, both of which represented year-to-year decrease for 5 months in a row. Demand for aluminium extrusions showed 2-digit year-to-year decline used for building constructions.Production and shipment of flat aluminium products represented year-to-year increase for the first time in late 3 months thanks to the steady demand as can materials and general machines. The export also increased in January. However, the demand was slow from home appliances and wholesalers.Production and shipment of aluminium extrusions showed year-to-year decline for 12 straight months. Demand maintained weak from construction markets while steady from automobile industry. Aluminium foil production showed year-to-year decrease for 5 straight months while the shipment represented year-to-year increase for 4 months in a row. Demand kept strong as capacitor materials while slow from foods and daily goods.