Japan Al Re-Rollers’ Operating Rate Widely Improves in 1HF2010

Japanese aluminium re-rollers’ operation rate was averagely 84.3% in the first half of fiscal 2010 (April-September 2010) for flat products and extrusions, improving by 13.5 percentage points from the same period of fiscal 2009, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The operation rate recovered to 90% level of the recent peak at 91.8% in fiscal 2006 thanks to the output increase of rolled aluminium products for cars, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, liquid crystal panel manufacturing equipment, capacitor and printing board.

The operating rate was averagely 89.9% for flat products, improving by 12.2 points from a year earlier. The operating rate lowered for July-August due to seasonal trend while, in August, the rate upped to 78.2% compared with 70.9% of a year ago. Re-rollers’ output seems to have upturned for can materials in August.

The operating rate was averagely 76.4% for extrusions, improving by 14.7 points year-on-year. The demand recovered for aluminium extrusions adopted to cars and electronic devices. Re-rollers’ capacity reorganization in recent years also contributed to better productivity. The monthly operating rate kept above 70% for April-September and exceeded 80% for 2 months in a row. The operating rate reached 80% for the first time since October 2008.