Japan Rolled Al Output Recovers after 10 Months

Japanese domestic production of aluminium rolled products, including plates and extrusions, increased by 1.8% to 203,438 tonnes in June from a year earlier, while the shipment increased by 1.6% to 202,221 tonnes, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The production represented year-on-year increase for the first time since August 2007 and the shipment since April 2008.Production and shipment of aluminium plates showed y/y increase for 3 months in a row. The demand increased from can materials, transporting applications and exports. Production and shipment of aluminium extrusions represented y/y down for 17 straight months due to slow construction market.Demand for aluminium foil was steady from electric machineries including capacitors. The production showed y/y increase for 2 consecutive months and the shipment represented y/y increase for the first time in late 4 months.Aluminium plate and extrusion inventories decreased y/y at the end of June. Aluminium foil inventory also decreased.