Japan Rolled Al Shipment Doubles for Automobile in 1H

Japanese shipment of rolled aluminium doubled to 141,214 tonnes for automobile in January-June from the same period of 2009, according to Japan Aluminium Association. Japanese aluminium re-rollers emphasized the steady automobile demand in statements for financial results. However, the demand is expected to decrease after October when Japanese subsidy policy for eco-friendly car purchase ends in September.

The shipment increased to more than twice for passenger car, truck and heat exchanger in January-June from the same period of 2009 partly due to the increase of aluminium parts in the car. However, the shipment was lower than the peak in first half of 2008.

On the other hand, the shipment decreased by 6.6% to 12,712 tonnes for airplane and LNG ship in January-June from the same period of 2009 due to the deterioration in earnings of the users.

Refer to an attached table.