Japan Secondary Al Shipment Hits 800,000T after 11 Years

Japanese secondary aluminium and aluminium alloy production totaled 809,234 tonnes in fiscal 2010 ended in March 2011, plus by 6.7% from the previous fiscal year, while the shipment was 816,388 tonnes, year-to-year plus by 6.9%, according to Japan Aluminium Alloy Refiners Association. Both of the production and the shipment represented first year-to-year plus since fiscal 2007. The production hit 800,000 tonnes for the first time since fiscal 2008 while the shipment reached 800,000 tonnes for the first time in 11 years. The demand was strong along economic recovery and Japanese government’s incentive for eco friendly cars.

The shipment increased year-to-year for all demand fields except for extrusions. The shipment for die casting was steady since domestic car production increased along Japanese government’s incentive for eco friendly cars. The shipment for casting increased both for domestic market and export.