Exports drive growth of aluminium foil production in first half of 2014

The European Aluminium Foil Association, EAFA, has reported half year results which continue to show a modest, but steady, recovery in demand for both thin and thicker gauges. This is largely led by a strong showing from exports, which are 28% ahead of 2013. European* deliveries remains flat with demand showing a very small decline of 0.2% compared with last year.

In the six month to June overall production was 434,100t, 2.5% above the 2013 figure (423,000t). Thinner gauges, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils, held steady with growth of just 0.9%, but continuing the increases seen for the last 5 quarters.

Thicker gauges, used typically for semi-rigid containers and technical applications, held on to the gains seen in the first quarter, with deliveries running 6.3% higher than 2013. This year has seen a welcome upturn in demand for these gauges after declines for all of the previous twelve months.

Figures for the second quarter (April to June) recorded a small drop in demand of 0.5%: 212,900t (2013: 214,000t), but this is largely due to seasonal demand factors, says EAFA, and growth is expected to continue throughout the year across all sectors.

Commenting on the first half results, Manfred Mertens EAFA Roller Group Chairman said, “The continuous growth is promising but we have to pay attention to the current political and economic situation in Europe which might affect that growth path. There are still many opportunities for aluminium foil in the food as well as industrial sector due to its special properties.”