Japan Rolled Al Output Rises by 2.7% in February

Japanese rolled aluminium output increased by 2.7% to 166,199 tonnes in February from a year earlier, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Tuesday. The shipment increased by 2.3% to 168,092 tonnes. The output and shipment increased for 15 months in a row. However, the growths were narrowest since December 2009 when the volume turned into increase. Slower automobile demand reduced the aluminium supply growth rate.

The flat rolled aluminium output increased by 0.4% to 101,704 tonnes in February from a year earlier, which increased for 15 months in a row. However, the shipment decreased by 0.6% to 103,052 tonnes, which decreased for 2 months in a row. The shipment decreased by 4.4% to 12,151 tonnes for automobile, which decreased for 2 months in a row, due to lower domestic automobile sales. The flat aluminium export decreased by 2.9% to 17,756 tonnes, which decreased for the first time in 16 months. The shipment for can applications increased by 7.3% to 33,875 tonnes.

The aluminium extrusion output increased by 6.5% to 64,405 tonnes in February from a year earlier. The shipment increased by 7.5% to 65,040. The output and shipment increased for 15 months in a row. The shipment for construction increased for 4 months in a row thanks to better new housing start activity. The shipment increased for automobile mainly for truck and bas and for export to Southeast Asia.

The aluminium foil output increased by 0.5% to 9,674 tonnes in February from a year earlier, which increased for 4 months in a row. The shipment increased by 4.2% to 9,754 tonnes, which increased for 16 months in a row. The demand kept firm for capacitor mainly for smart phone and flat panel television. The shipment for food applications increased for 2 months in a row.