Japan Secondary Aluminium Output Hit Record in 2006

Japanese production of secondary aluminium ingot and secondary aluminium alloy ingot increased by 2.8% to 1.067 million tonnes and the shipment increased by 2.5% to 1.07 million tonnes in 2006 from 2005, according to Japan Aluminium Alloy Refiners Association. Both production and shipment hit annual records in 2006 thanks to active demand, which also hit records in 2005. Both volumes have increased from previous year results for 5 straight years.Secondary aluminium shipment decreased slightly for flat products in 2006 from 2005 due to less demand for can materials. The shipment decreased for extrusions with slow demand for constructions especially housing materials. The shipment for steel additives and secondary aluminium ingot makers also decreased.Secondary aluminium shipment increased for castings and die-castings, the main demand fields. Automobile related demand has expanded and contributed to the total shipment growth. Secondary aluminium export increased much despite small volume.