Japanese Aluminium Rolling Capacity Utilization Y/Y Downs in November

Operating rate of Japanese aluminium rolling facilities was averagely 81.2% in November, which worsened by 8.1 percentage points from a year earlier, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The operating rate represented year-to-year minus for nine straight months. Flat aluminium production seemed to decrease mainly for export. Meanwhile, operating rate for aluminium extrusions showed first y/y plus in three months thanks to the demand recovery from car industry.

Operating rate for aluminium flat products was averagely 76.9%, which worsened by 15.3 points from a year earlier. The export demand deteriorated along flood in Thailand, strong yen trend and global economic downturn. Another factor was that the operating rate hit the record high in November 2010.

Operating rate for aluminium extrusions was averagely 87.7% and improved by 2.5 points from a year earlier. The demand recovered from car industry and represented stable from construction market. New housing starts in Japan recently shows decreasing trend while constructions of detached houses and condominiums are increasing.