Japan's Primary Aluminum Imports Rise Despite Weak Domestic Demand

Japan's Aluminum

Japan's primary aluminum imports increased by 1.9pc in 2024, reaching 1.05mn t. This rise occurred despite a decline in domestic demand from key sectors.   

Shifting Import Sources Offset Russian Decline

Australia remained Japan's largest aluminum supplier, accounting for over 28pc of imports. Brazil followed, contributing around 16pc. Notably, imports from the UAE and India surged, offsetting a significant drop in Russian shipments. The UAE saw a 14pc increase to 107,000t, while India's deliveries rose by 25pc to 103,000t. Conversely, Russian shipments plummeted by nearly 70pc to 26,000t, following Japan's import ban on certain Russian aluminum products in April 2023.   

Domestic Demand and Secondary Output Decline

Domestic aluminum product demand in Japan remained weak due to reduced activity in the building, construction, and automotive sectors. Building and construction consumption fell by 7.7pc, and automotive demand dropped by 4.1pc. Total aluminum demand decreased by 3.3pc. Japan's secondary aluminum output also declined by 4.9pc, leading to a 5.3pc decrease in aluminum scrap imports. The reduced domestic secondary output may have contributed to the increased primary aluminum imports, despite overall demand weakening.