Japan Al Can Demand to Keep High in 2011, Industry Group

Japanese aluminium can demand will decrease by 0.8% to 18.42 billion units in 2011 from 2010, announced by Japan Aluminum Can Recycling Association on Thursday. The association expects the demand keeps high level tanks to higher demand for highball and other alcohol drinks while the demand is slightly less than the level in 2010 with extremely hot summer.

The association expects the aluminium can shipment will increase by 4.1% to 2.03 billion units for alcohol drinks other than beer in 2011 from 2010. The demand has increased since 2009 when domestic beverage makers try to increase highball sales. The association expects the aluminium can shipment will be 5.44 billion units for non alcohol drinks in 2011 as 2010. The demand will keep high level when domestic beverage makers try to increase the sales by launching new brand and products. The association expects the aluminium can shipment will decrease by 2% to 10.53 billion units for beer including beer like sparkling liquor.

The aluminium can demand increased by 1.8% to total 18.56 billion units in 2010 from 2009. The volume was near 300 million units higher than outlook by the association thanks to very hot summer while the shipment for beer decreased by 3.1% to 10.75 billion units.