Japanese domestic production of aluminum rolled products, including plates and extrusions, decreased by 12.2% to 2.03 million tonnes through fiscal 2008 (Apr08-Mar09) from fiscal 2007, according to Japan Aluminum Association. The shipment decreased by 11.8% to 2.03 million tonnes. Both production and shipment represented year-on-year minus for 2 years in a row. Domestic demand and export maintained stagnant along economy deterioration in the second half year.

 

Aluminum plate production and shipment represented the first year-on-year minus since fiscal 2005. The demand dropped down from foil materials, electric appliances, transportations and exports though the demand kept stable from can materials.

 

Extrusion production and shipment represented year-on-year minus for 2 years in a row. The demand showed 2-digit decline for automobile related applications. The demand was also stagnant from construction market.

 

Aluminum foil production showed year-on-year decrease for 4 straight years and the shipment for 6 years. –Japan Metal Bulletin