Japanese Al Re-rollers’ Operation Rate Drops to 70% in for April-September

Japanese aluminium re-rollers’ operation rate decreased by 20.3 percentage points to 70.8% for first half year of fiscal 2009 started April from first half of fiscal 2008, according to Japan Aluminium Association. The rate improved to about 70% from around 50% in January-March 2009.

The operation rate was 77.7% for flat products for first half of fiscal 2009 while the makers operated at full capacity in first half of fiscal 2008. Can material output was impacted by bad weather in summer.

The extrusions output decreased to 61.7% in first half of fiscal 2009 from 81.1% in first half of fiscal 2008 when extrusions shipment decreased for construction and automobile. The operation rate increased from less than 50% in February and March. However, the rate significantly decreased from January-June 2008.

The production capacity of extrusions is expected to decrease. However, the operation rate of rolled products is unlikely to increase. The rate would remain at low level for a while.