Japan 1H Rolled Al, Cu Output Hits First Rise in 4-Year

Japanese rolled aluminium output increased by 14.8% to 1.031 million tonnes in first half of fiscal 2010 started April from first half of fiscal 2009, which increased for the first time in 4 years., announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Wednesday. Japan Copper and Brass Association announced on Wednesday rolled copper output increased by 30.7% to 437,963 tonnes, which increased for the first time in 4 years and reached about 90% of first half of fiscal 2008 level due to higher demand for export, automobile and semiconductor.

The rolled aluminium shipment increased by 14.8% to 1.03 million tonnes in first half of fiscal 2010 from same period of fiscal 2009, which increased for the first time in 2 years. The aluminium foil output increased by 17.7% to 61,980 tonnes and the shipment increased by 15.5% to 61,160 tonnes, which represented first increase in 6 years and 4 years respectively

The rolled copper demand could decrease for second half of fiscal 2010 due to potential impact of higher yen rate on the export along with slowing demand for automobile and semiconductor.