Japan Al Construction Materials Demand to Hit Record Low in F2008

Japanese demand of aluminium construction materials will decrease to less than 400,000 tonnes for the first time in fiscal 2008, announced by Japan Sash Manufacturers Association on Monday. The demand decreases by 6.7% to 381,000 tonnes, which is the lowest level in the association’s record since 1972, from fiscal 2007. The association expects the demand decreases by 5.3% to 361,000 tonnes in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008.

The demand decreases for all items in fiscal 2008 from fiscal 2007. The largest application of sash for wooden house decreases due to recession while the demand decreases for building sash under slump in condominium market and capital expenditure by private sector. The association expects the housing start will decrease by 1.5% to 1.051 million units and the building start will decrease by 4.8% to 96.05 million square meters for building other than wooden structure in fiscal 2008 from fiscal 2007.

The demand will decrease for all items in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008. The association expects the housing start will decrease by 4.8% to 1.001 million units and the building start will decrease by 5.9% to 90.4 million square meters for building other than wooded structure in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008.