Demand for Al Die Casting May Turn Down in October, Japan

Japanese aluminium die casting makers are concerned about demand downturn in and after October. Japanese major die casting maker, Ahresty explained automakers’ unofficial order announcement for October-November is likely to become 60% level of the same period in 2007. Ahresty’s monthly production of aluminium die casting may decrease by about 10% from the volume in September.

Ahresty’s domestic production hit the bottom in February-March and turned upward in April. At Ahresty Tochigi, a subsidiary in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, the production is expected to reach 2,000 tonnes in September, above 80% level of the same month in 2007. Ahresty’s domestic operation is recovering to average 70% level as total.

Domestic demand has steadily recovered for aluminium die casting thanks to Japanese export increase of knockdown set mainly for North America. However, US governmental measure for car industry was ceased on August 24. Japanese knockdown set export might slow down for North America.