Itochu Corp to Increase DUBAL and EMAL Aluminium Billet Sales to Japanese Users

Japanese major general trading house, Itochu Corporation plans to increase its trading volume of aluminium products supplied by Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) and Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) of UAE by 15% to 300,000 tonnes in CY2012 from CY2011 for Japanese customers. The billet sales volume is expected to increase by 44% to 130,000 tonnes.

In CY2011, Itochu Corp sold DUBAL and EMAL aluminium products to Japanese customers at 260,000 tonnes. The trading house supplies DUBAL and EMAL aluminium products to Japanese users in Japan and their local bases in Southeast Asia and India. The sales volume has steadily increased in recent years.

Billet shipment is especially increasing. The sales volume was 90,000 tonnes in CY2011. Primary aluminium consumption is healthily growing in emerging countries while DUBAL’s billet is appreciated with its quality and price competitiveness. DUBAL can produce aluminium billet by direct feeding of aluminium melt from smelters to casting lines.

Japanese sash makers generally re-melt primary aluminium ingot and cast billet at their plants. The business circumstances are severe due to aged facilities and fuel cost upsurge. Japanese billet users are estimated to decrease their billet productions and increase procurement of offshore aluminium billet in medium term.

Itochu Corp projects to start commercial sales of EMAL aluminium slab in CY2013. Itochu Corp has already provided samples to several users and acquired the quality certifications.