Japan Nonferrous Metal Import Shows Recovery for Some Items in August

Japanese nonferrous metals import represented year-to-year decrease for almost all items of the trade statistics by Ministry of Finance in August. Meanwhile, there were recovery signs for some items such as aluminium.

Primary aluminium ingot import was 105,523 tonnes in August, minus by 35% from a year earlier. The import exceeded 100,000 tonnes for 2 months in a row thanks to the stable demand from can makers despite of stagnant demand from construction market.

Aluminium alloy ingot import showed month-to-month increase for 3 straight months and hit the yearly highest volume in August, though which was lower by 24% from a year earlier. The import followed carmakers’ output recovery.

Cathode copper import was 3,322 tonnes, minus by 44% from a year earlier. As to anode copper, the import hit zero for the first time since February 2007.

Electrolytic lead import decreased by 58% year-to-year. Japanese battery makers’ productions were low due to inactive demand for automotive batteries due to cool summer despite of the yearly demand season.

The import of electrolytic zinc with above 99.99% purity was 244 tonnes, minus by 96% from a year earlier. The import volume was as low as in March 2004 and couldn’t reach 1,000 tonnes even plus electrolytic zinc with less than 99.99% purity. The demand kept low from zinc coated steel sheets.