
According to the latest figures released by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), the first quarter of 2018 saw an export-led increase in aluminium foil deliveries in Europe, rather than improved domestic demand, in sharp contrast to Q1 2017. Overall production for the quarter was up 1.8% from 230,000 tonnes in 2017 to 234,000 tonnes in 2018.
Domestic shipments dropped slightly by 2.2%, while exports of aluminium foil to non-European markets surged by 36%. The bullish trend in export started at the last quarter of 2017 when overseas demand went well above 30 per cent and it continued through Q1 2018.
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Shipments of thinner gauges, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils; increased by 3.7%, in continuation with the steady demand recovery seen in the previous year. Thicker gauges, normally used for semi-rigid containers and technical applications dropped 1.8%, reflecting the flat demand seen throughout the past 12 months.
Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of EAFA, commented on these results: “This is a good and promising start into 2018 and, importantly, a continuation of the 2017 trend. Exports jumped mainly due to US anti-dumping measures on aluminium foil.
“The short to medium term expectation is that the climate will remain positive, provided there are no major geopolitical disturbances and the general economic climate stays friendly,” he added.
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