German aluminum industry expects
slight economic downturn
Business activity in the aluminum sector in Germany was
mixed in the first half of 2019, according to the German
Association of Aluminum Industry (Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie
e.V., GDA). Aluminum producers and processors
had to reduce their production in the first half of 2019 (by 5.6%
and 5.4%, respectively) while semi-finished products producers
were able to increase theirs by 1.9%.
Expectations for 2019 are subdued: “The economic slowdown
in our key industries is also reflected in the call-off figures, so we
are expecting production in our industry to decline,” explained
Marius Baader, GDA Executive Director.
“However, this will be offset partly by activity in the construction
industry, which is still good, and a pleasing development in
the packaging sector.”
Although the economic outlook for the aluminum industry is
clouded in many product areas at the moment, GDA indicated
that the industry is still on a solid path of growth in the medium-
to long-term. Christian Wellner, Executive Member of GDA’s
Managing Board added, “Demand for aluminum will continue to
grow globally and demand in Germany remains high.”
Approximately 629,200 tonnes (693,574 tons) of raw aluminum
were produced in Germany during from January–June 2019.
Production comprised 251,400 tonnes (277,121 tons) of primary
aluminum and 377,800 tonnes (416,453 tons) of recycled aluminum.
Compared with the corresponding period a year earlier,
production of recycled aluminum fell by 5.2%, while primary
aluminum production was 6.3% lower.
During the same period, the production of semi-finished aluminum
products rose 1.9% to 1,275,400 tonnes (almost 1,405,888
tons). The production of metal powder and the production of foil
and thin strip fell 3.7% and 5.1%, respectively, and the production
of aerosol, tube and other cans in Germany fell by 9%. Spray
October 2019 Spray 21
Industry cuts back production
Photo by AEROBAL