Emal targets export deals in Far East, US markets

Emirates Aluminium (Emal) is securing deals in the US and Far East to export its products, but will continue to honour its commitments in the Middle East despite the political turmoil in some countries, its president and chief executive told Gulf News.

"Emal doesn't look at the business model for one or two years, we look at the long term return on investment ... In Syria, we are looking at the situation and we continue to supply customers. Whatever commitment we have we will continue to support that because we have a contract," said Saeed Al Mazroui.

Around 90 per cent of Emal's production is exported to 280 companies in more than 35 countries, he added. "We are looking at opportunities outside the region."

"We have secured deals with US companies, it's a big market although the growth in the automotive industry is slight but there is some opportunity. Because of the quality of the product, there is also some interest from the Far East," he said.

Demand is growing in Europe and the US while supply shortages arise from European smelter shutdowns due to environmental or economic reasons, Al Mazroui said. There will be a shortage of aluminium supplies by 2015 and Phase II of Emal's expansion will be ready before then to meet demand, he said.

Demand from Europe and the US is expected to grow by about 3 per cent next year and so far has not been dampened, he said.