Japan's aluminum alloy import from China drops but from Europe surges in 2012

Japan's imports of aluminum alloy from China fell last year, while European countries like Spain and Italy were seen sending more of the product into Japan, customs data released Wednesday showed.

Japan imported 367,279 mt of aluminum alloy from China in 2012, down 19% from 446,134 mt imported in 2011. Its imports from Spain surged to 24,743 mt, up 411% year on year from 4,834 mt, and from Italy 5,636 mt, up from just 351 mt imported in 2011, Japanese customs data showed.

Customs data for aluminum alloy under the code 7601-20-000 include primary and secondary aluminum. Imports from China, Spain and Italy are mostly secondary aluminum alloy of ADC12 specification used for automotive components, said industry sources.

Imports from Spain and Italy jumped last year on the back of a stronger euro against the dollar, that made European alloy more competitive in Asia which is usually dominated by Chinese products, Japanese traders said.

The import volumes varied from month to month. From Spain, imports had reached a peak of 3,921 mt in August, but fell to just 308 mt in December.

Spanish cargoes clearing the Japanese customs in August were likely traded in May-June, with the euro averaging at $1.27 in May and $1.25 in June. From August, the euro started to fall and averaged at $1.31 in December.

Shipping from Europe to Japan takes two to three months.

The European smelters were also keen to export to Asia as their domestic sales staggered last year following slump in automotive sales, traders added.

Japanese trading houses had bought 100-500 mt lots from Europe on a spot basis when European prices were $10-50/mt below prices offered by China producers.