Kobe Steel to Raise Rolling Charge for Aluminium and Copper

Kobe Steel’s aluminum & copper company raises rolling charge for aluminium rolled products on and after February 1 after the firm could gain acceptance from the users, especially wholesalers. The firm raises the charge by 30 yen per kilogram or more than 10%, while by 5% for aluminium blank applied to computer magnetic disc. The hike is not accepted by some of large contract users yet and the firm continues to seek the total adoption. As to copper sheet and strip, the firm has gained about 60% of sales margin improvement so far.The price hike was accepted by wholesalers of aluminium plate, extrusion, thick plate applied to liquid crystal display and semiconductor manufacturer. The firm continues price negotiation with large contract users such for can materials. As to aluminium flat products except aluminium blank, Kobe Steel adopted new price system to reflect fluctuation of primary aluminium ingot price automatically. The firm can reduce loss risk caused by primary aluminium price change.The firm has not raised rolling charge for copper sheet and strip enough yet, mainly for products applied to semiconductor related usages. The firm seeks to pass rest 30-40% of cost upsurge on the selling prices, though the hike is very difficult in electronic appliance fields despite steady demand.