Japan Rolled Al Operation Rate Increases in Apr-Jun from Jan-Mar

Japanese aluminium re-rollers’ operation rate increased by around 4 percentage points to 85.6% in April-June from January-March, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The rate was low compared with 93.5% year earlier. However, the rate rebounded after the major earthquake in March. Firm can material demand contributed to the increase of rate for flat rolled products. The rate of extrusion was lower than January-March. However, the rate increased in June.

The operation rate of flat rolled products was 88.9% in fiscal 2010 ended March 2011 from fiscal 2009, which increased for the first time in 2 years due to subsidy for eco-friendly car purchase. On the other hand, the rate was 81.7% in January-March due to the end of subsidy and the demand decreased for car in April and May due to the quake impact. However, the rate in April-June was lifted by can material output increase.

The rate of extrusions decreased by 2.3 points to 73.4% in April-March from January-March due to the car output slowdown. However, the rate increased to 78.4% in June, which marked more than 70% for the first time in 2 months due the recovery of car output.