Japan Annual Rolled Al Output, Shipment Hit First Increase in 4 Years

Japanese rolled aluminium output increased by 18.5% to 2.058 million tonnes in 2010 from 2009, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Thursday. The shipment increased by 18% to 2.058 million tonnes. The volume increased for the first time in 4 years both for output and shipment. The volume hit more than 2 million tonnes for the first time since 2008. Higher demand for automobile and export supported the higher volume.

The flat products’ volume increased both for output and shipment in 2010 from 2009, which was increased for the first time in 3 years. Higher automobile output and export lifted the volume. The extrusion output and shipment increased for the first time in 4 years due to higher demand for automobile and slightly better construction demand.

The foil output and shipment increased in 2010 from 2009, which was the first increase in 4 years. The demand was firm for capacitor and food industry.

The rolled aluminium output and shipment decreased to less than 2 million tonnes 2009, which was the first time in 22 years. The decrease was the largest drop in the history.