Japanese total demand of aluminium ingot and processed products decreased by 0.4% to 3.898 million tonnes including export in fiscal 2011 ended March 2012 from fiscal 2010, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Friday. The demand decreased for the first time in 2 years due to slower demand at home and abroad. Some of the applications showed sign for recovery.
The electric machinery demand decreased by 16.6% in fiscal 2011 from fiscal 2010. The demand decreased for liquid crystal panel making equipment when the panel makers postponed the investment under low panel price. The export decreased by 13% in fiscal 2011 from fiscal 2010 when light metal rerollers tried to secure domestic shipment even with lower export. The export also decreased after Thai flood damage on the makers and the users. The demand increased by 1.6% for transport in fiscal 2011 from fiscal 2010. The automakers resumed the production from damage by the major earthquake in March 2011. The demand for construction increased by 9.9% due to better housing demand.