Japan Rolled Aluminium Output Hits First Increase in 17 months

Japanese output of aluminium rolled and extrusion products increased by 1.7% to 200,983 tonnes in May from a year earlier, which represents the first increase in 17 months, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Tuesday. The shipment increased by 1.7% to 197,791 tonnes, which increased for the first time in 2 months. The firm demand for can materials lifted the output and shipment. The output and shipment increased for flat products in May from a year earlier for the first time in 2 months. The demand increased for electric machinery while the demand decreased for printing plate and fin materials. The output and shipment increased for extrusion products in May from a year earlier, which increased for 2 months in a row. The demand increased for automobile and construction. The output of foil products increased in May from a year earlier, which increased for 6 months in a row. The shipment increased for the first time in 2 months. The demand keeps firm for major application of capacitor and chemical industry. The inventory decreased for flat and extrusion products in May from a year earlier. The holders tend to reduce the stock when aluminium ingot price keeps high level.