Japan Aluminium Demand Rises by 9.6% in F2010

Japanese demand of aluminium ingot and processed aluminium products increased by 9.6% to 3.915 million tonnes in fiscal 2010 ended March 2011 from 20-year low of fiscal 2009, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Wednesday. The demand increased for domestic automobile, appliances and construction while the export increased especially for Asia. The demand increased for rolled products and die-castings while the demand decreased for ingot and electric wire.

The demand increased for transport in fiscal 2010 from fiscal 2009 thanks to subsidiary for eco-friendly car. The demand also increased for appliances due to national support for eco-friendly products. The construction demand also increased due to the government support. The electric wire demand decreased when the construction finished for major power line in northern Japan.

The total aluminium demand hit record 4.446 million tonnes in fiscal 2006. However, the demand decreased since then and decreased to less than 4 million tonnes in fiscal 2008 and 2009.

Japanese rolled aluminium production decreased by 6.0% to 166,168 tonnes in April from a year earlier. The shipment decreased by 7.6% to 163,805 tonnes. The production and shipment decreased for 2 months in a row due to slower demand for automobile. The production and shipment of extrusion hit first decrease in 17 months.

The extrusion production decreased by 1.5% to 62,110 tonnes in April from a year earlier. The shipment decreased by 2.4% to 61,645 tonnes. The shipment decreased by 30.1% for automobile. The flat products production decreased by 8.5% to 104,058 tonnes, which decreased for 2 months in a row. The shipment decreased by 10.4% to 102,160 tonnes, which decreased for 4 months in a row when the shipment decreased by 28% for automobile. The foil volume decreased by 2.9% to 10,235 tonnes for production and by 8.3% to 9,713 tonnes, both of which decreased for 2 months in a row.