Japanese Electric Cable Shipment Hits 34-Year Lowest in F2009

Japanese domestic shipment of electric wire and cable was quickly estimated at 662,527 tonnes of copper for fiscal 2009 (April 2009-March 2010), according to Japanese Electric Wire & Cable Makers’ Association. The estimation is lower by 12.7% than the actual shipment in fiscal 2008. The annual shipment would decrease for 3 straight years and represent the lowest since fiscal 1975 due to stagnancy of domestic construction market.

Meanwhile, aluminium wire and cable shipment was quickly estimated at 42,937 tonnes for fiscal 2009, which would increase by 47.9% from fiscal 2008 and exceed 40,000 tonnes for the first time since fiscal 2000.

Copper wire and cable shipment for constructions and related wholesalers is estimated to decrease by 17.1% to 273,911 tonnes. The shipment would decrease for 4 straight years and represent below 300,000 tonnes for the first time in 22 years.

On the other hand, copper wire and cable shipment recovered in the second half year for electric machines and components, and automobiles. By comparison between 1H and 2H of fiscal 2009, the shipment increased by 27.3% for electric machines and components and by 24.2% for automobiles.

Aluminium wire and cable shipment is estimated to increase by 36.4% for domestic power companies in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008. The demand was especially strong for Tohoku Electric Power’s new power transmission lines. The shipment also increased for export though copper cable export is estimated to decrease by 22.8%.