Europe’s aluminium foil deliveries increased 6.4% YoY to reach 237,700 tonnes in Q3 2018

According to a press release from European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), demand for Europe’s aluminium foil surge to record levels in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period of 2017.

This was driven primarily by a solid performance in overseas markets. Aluminium foil deliveries in Q3 increased 6.4% YoY to reach 237,700 tonnes. Domestic demand also remained bullish throughout 2018 and continued to reflect a steady recovery in consumption with a growth rate of about 0.5%.

YTD figures show impressive growth in comparison with 2017. In contrast to the first nine months of 2017 the exports increased 28.8%. Deliveries for thinner gauges, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils, rose by 4.8%. Thicker foils, used typically for semi-rigid containers and technical applications grew 1.9%, recovering from a small decline in the first half of this year. YTD deliveries of 718,000 tonnes registered a growth of 3.7% from 692,500 tonnes in YTD 2017.

Remarking on the figures Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of EAFA said, “These good results are based on a unique combination of improved domestic demand and particularly high demand from outside Europe. The international trade flows of aluminium foil have been changed significantly due to the trade actions in the USA and elsewhere. These unusual circumstances may not continue in the long term.”

He adds that despite the growth, the European foil sector is concerned and cautious about the effects of a volatile global political situation, which is affecting the aluminium industry at present. However, he expects European foil rollers to register another year of record foil deliveries at the end of this year.