Japan Al Re-rollers’ Operating Rate Hits 24-Year Lowest in F2008

Japanese aluminium re-rollers’ operating rate was averagely 79.3% through fiscal 2008 (Apr08-Mar09) for aluminium flat products and extrusions, down by 10 percentage points compared with fiscal 2007, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The operating rate showed year-on-year decrease for 2 years in a row and represented below 80% for the first time since fiscal 1984. The operating rate plunged to 50-60% for January-March 2009.

As to flat aluminium products, re-rollers’ production and shipment were totally low, such for foil materials, transportations and wholesalers, though the demand was relatively steady from can materials. For extruded aluminium products, re-rollers’ operating rate lowered to around 70% through fiscal 2008. The demand maintained stagnant from constructions and dropped down from automobiles. Some re-rollers reduced their output capacities but the demand declined more.