EAFA reports 3% rise in European aluminium foil deliveries in 2018 for the third consecutive year

According to the latest figures released by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), aluminium foil deliveries from European rollers ended 2018 with a record 3% rise from 2017, for the third consecutive year. The growth was supported by sustained demand from export markets as well as steady consumption in domestic markets, particularly for thinner gauges.

Total deliveries stood at 942,500 tonnes against 915,000 tonnes in 2017. Thinner gauge foils, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils increased 4.1% year on year, while thicker gauges, used for semi-rigid containers and technical applications, rose by 1.1% annually. Total domestic deliveries were flat, while exports increased 25% throughout 2018.

Q4 2018 registered a 2.8% increase in output to 228,200 tonnes from 222,000 tonnes. While domestic deliveries remained stable, exports registered an increase of 27% compared to Q4 2017. Thinner gauges added 2.2% in the quarter, while thicker gauges improved by 3.9%.

The EAFA region covers EU 28, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey.

“Consumption in all markets has improved, although domestic demand is more sluggish than we hoped for. By contrast exports have powered ahead in the last 12 months,” said Bruno Rea, President of EAFA. “But this is due to exceptional influences on supply and demand overseas. While we remain optimistic about the year ahead, the situation remains volatile and difficult to predict.”

Mr Rea also said that U.S. trade tariffs of 10% did not affect the foil sector in Europe and any change in the situation will influence the year ahead. European foil rollers maintain a positive market outlook for the industry and projects bullish trends.

“The current debate about circular economy can create opportunities for our sector, given that aluminium is a fully recyclable material,” Mr Rea added.