The major four aluminum flat sheet producers including Novelis Korea, Choil Aluminum, Daeho Al and Morgan Aluminum saw their sales volume increased 12 percent year on year from 72,435 metric tons to 81,118 metric tons in March, of which Korean shipment was down 1.5 percent and exports surged 20.3 percent to 53,968 metric tons respectively.
By company, Novelis Korea sold a total of 68,387 metric tons with a 12.4 percent increase a year ago, while Choil Aluminum and Morgan Aluminum saw a 19.6 percent and 3.3 percent growth to 9,059 metric tons and 960 metric tons each. On the other hand, Daeho Al sold a total of 2,712 tons with a 12.5 percent retreat a year ago.
The Korean aluminum market is characterized by export growth headed Vietnam, China, and India where demand for aluminum can materials expanded, amid the dampened Korean need and shipment because of the recession in Korean economy. As the trade conflicts prolong between US and China, the uncertainty exists across the market in general and the aluminum prices become less stable as well as the Chinese low-priced materials imports flood into the market, the Korean aluminum market is vulnerable to losing steam. In fact, Daechang AT decided to shut down operation as of October 1 last year.
Meanwhile, the major three aluminum flat sheet makers increased their selling prices by 60,000 won per ton over the March shipment: Choil Aluminum set its Korean selling price for a 0.3mm foil materials at 3,290,000 won per ton which lifted by 60,000 won per ton from the previous price; Novelis Korea also lifted its Korean selling price by 60,000 won per ton in February trading at 3,040,000~3,060,000 won per ton available depending upon the relationship with customers.
Source: Steel&Metal News |
