Japan Al Re-rollers’ Operation Rate Increases in April

Japanese aluminium re-rollers’ operation rate increased by 1.5 percentage points to 80.4% in April from a year earlier, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The rate increased for 2 months in a row to reflect recovery of the demand mainly for automobile. However, the rate was very low in April 2011 just after the major earthquake in March 2011. The operation recovery would take more time for normal level.

The rate increased by 2.4 points to 75.9% for aluminium extrusion in April from a year earlier. The output increased by 3.8 % to 64,458 tonnes while the production capacity increased by 0.4%. The demand increased for automobile due to governmental subsidy for eco-friendly car purchase. The demand is steady for other applications including construction.

The operation rate increased by 0.9 point to 83.4% for flat rolled aluminium in April from a year earlier. The operation was supported by higher demand for automobile.