Consumption of aluminum grows 35% until June and projects new record
Valor Econômico 09/09/10
The consumption of aluminum processed products, such as plates for packing, wires and cables, profiles for construction and industry and cast parts, grew 35% in the first half, compared to the same period in 2009, exceeding the expectations of demand projected by the sector in the beginning of the year. According to data released yesterday by the Brazilian Aluminum Association (Abal), the domestic consumption from January to June amounted to 627 thousand tons. Such volume, compared to the first half of 2008, still without the effects of the global crisis, points growth of 17%.According to the Abal, which represents the integrated producers, such as CBA/Votorantim and Alcoa, and metal processors, the record volume results from the increase in consumption in the whole chain of aluminum semi-manufactured products. In the case of plates, an increase of 28.5%, of extruded items, 45%; cast, 44%; and sheets, 32%. Together, such mix represents more than 80% of the Brazilian market.
Mauro Moreno, Coordinator of the Economics and Statistics Committee of the Abal, said in an announcement of the institution that "the market has recorded an increase in the key sectors of the economy". In construction, 37.5%; in transports, 43.4%; and in packaging, which absorbs most of the metal in the country, the expansion reached 26%.
For the Abal, at this pace, consumption should close the year with new record of 1.29 million tons, 28% more than last year. Before, the entity foresaw 1.22 million tons, featuring an increase of 21%.