Japan's primary aluminium imports fall 30% in Jan-Aug due to slow demand

　　The sharp reduction by Asia’s biggest importer of the light metal used in transport, construction and packaging reflects sluggish demand in construction sector at home, along with weak exports, traders and aluminium manufactures said.

　　Imports of primary aluminium ingots from January to August came in at 711,627 tons, down 30% from last year.

　　“Demand from automakers is recovering thanks to improvement in chip and parts supply, but demand from other sectors, including construction and semiconductor equipment, remains weak,” an official at a Japanese aluminium rolling mill said.

　　Japan’s shipment of aluminium sheets and extrusions fell 5.1% in July from a year earlier, marking the 17th consecutive month of decline, data of the Japan Aluminium Association showed.

　　“Construction demand remains weak due to falling housing starts and the amount of aluminium used per unit,” an official at the association said.

　　Japan’s exports of aluminium sheets and extrusions have also been slipping amid slowing economies in Asia, the official added.

　　Despite declining imports, aluminium stocks at three major Japanese ports AL-STK-JPPRT rose 2.9% to 360,700 tons as of end-August from end-July, according to Marubeni. It was above 250,000-300,000 tons that are considered appropriate.

　　“Import of primary aluminium may continue to fall until stockpiles are adjusted to healthy levels,” an aluminium trader said.