Secondary Al Output Decreases by 37.8% for First Half

Japanese secondary aluminium and alloy output decreased by 37.8% to 346,471 tonnes for first half of fiscal 2009 ending March 2010 compared with April-September 2008 while the shipment decreased by 37.6% to 350,254 tonnes, according to Japan Aluminium Alloy Refiners Association. The output and the shipment represented the largest year-on-year drop for first half and showed decrease for 3 half year in a row.

The shipment was 201,590 tonnes, down by 35.7% for die casting for April-September compared with same period of 2008 while the shipment declined by 41.9% to 85,201 tonnes for casting when the automotive demand decreased.

The operation rate of major secondary aluminium makers recovered to around 70% until September when hybrid car and small car sales were firm. However, the users increase the local procurement at overseas sites. The operation rate of domestic secondary aluminium makers would keep flat.