Japan Rolled Aluminium Output Hits 22-Year Low in 1H

Japanese rolled aluminium production decreased by 31.9% to 784,220 tonnes in January-June from same period of 2008, announced by Japan Aluminium Association on Tuesday. The shipment decreased by 31.0% to 794,258 tonnes. The production and shipment decreased for 5 years in a row and decreased to less than 1 million tonnes for the first time in 22 years as first half of calendar year.

The production decreased by 21.6% to 159,536 tonnes in June from a year earlier. The shipment decreased by 21.6% to 158,605 tonnes. The volume decreased for 9 months in a row while the drop was narrower than before.

The flat products production and shipment decreased in the first half from same period of 2008, which represented the first drop in 3 years. The demand was slow for foil, electric and transport machinery and distribution market along with export demand.

The extrusion production and shipment decreased in the first half year from same period of 2008, which decreased for 5 years in a row. The shipment deceased by 20% for construction and by 60% for automobile and industrial machinery.

The foil production and shipment decreased in the first half year from same period of 2008, which decreased for 3 years in a row. The export decreased by more than 70% while the demand was slow for condenser, food and chemicals.