Japan Lower Demand for Aluminium Rolled Products in 1H

Japanese production of rolled aluminium products was 1.166 million tonnes and the shipment was 1.163 million tonnes in the first half of fiscal 2007 ended September, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Friday. The production decreased by 1.8% from the same period of fiscal 2006 and represented year-to-year down for the first time in 2 years. The shipment decreased by 1.7% from the corresponding period of fiscal 2006 and showed year-to-year down for 3 years in a row.Production and shipment of aluminium plate represented year-to-year increase for the first time in 3 years. The demand recovered for can materials and exports despite of low shipment for printing plates, electronic machines and distributors in Japan. Aluminium extrusion demand maintained favorable for automobiles but was slow for constructions. Production and shipment of aluminium extrusion showed year-to-year down for the first time in 2 years and both became below 500,000 tonnes. Aluminium foil production decreased for 3 years in a row while the shipment for 2 years. The demand increased for capacitors but decreased for daily commodities.