Japanese Colored Al Shipment Decreases for 3 Years

Japanese colored aluminum shipment decreased by 8.2% to 20,816 tonnes in fiscal 2009 (April 2009-March 2010) compared with fiscal 2008, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The shipment decreased for 3 years in a row. The volume dropped by 36.8% in the first half year compared with the same period of fiscal 2008 while turned to 35.9% year-to-year increase in the second half year.

The shipment maintained stagnant for construction materials except for roofs. Roofs, siding panels or curtain walls are generally installed later of building construction works. Consequently colored aluminium shipment represented wider decrease for October-March than April-September.

On the other hand, the shipment for non-construction materials recovered in the second half year. The shipment for electric machines was 3,621 tonnes in the first half year, year-to-year increase by 48.1%, while increased to 6,346 tonnes in the second half year, year-to-year increase by 97.3%. The shipment in the second half year was even higher than 6,028 tonnes in fiscal 2007.