Reuters reported that Japanese shipments of aluminium products rose 7.8% in July from a year earlier to 179,619 tonnes.

Data provided by the Japan Aluminium Association showed that exports to China and Southeast Asia remained robust also supporting aluminium shipments.

July shipments were down 0.2% from June and about 87% of levels 2 years ago before the global economic slump of late 2008 led automakers and other manufacturers to slash output and cut demand for the metal.

Industry officials have said that demand has largely been boosted by a revival in the automobile sector but the pace of recovery this year is still unclear as the construction sector remains weak and shows no signs of picking up. Aluminium is widely used in products ranging from computers, planes and electronics to the food sector.

(Sourced from Reuters)