European Aluminium Foil Trends for The First Half of 2003 - News Item

First half-year figures for 2003 issued by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) show a strong increase of 5.2 % having reached 408,800 tons (2002: 388,700 tons).

Exports continue to advance strongly, with an 8% increase over 2002. Within the EAFA ‘home’ territory, usage for the six month period has shown strong demand with a healthy advance (4%) over last year in spite of a generally unfavourable European economic background.

Of particular interest within these figures has been the very strong increase (13%) in demand for thicker foil (over 60µm) supported by a sustained high level of shipments of thinner foil (+0.4%).

Because of the prevailing uncertainty related to consumer demand in Europe and elsewhere, a forecast for the remainder of 2003 remains difficult. However, the industry is optimistic that the 12-month total tonnage will be at least slightly above the record level achieved last year.

The European Aluminium Foil Association is the international body representing companies engaged in the rolling and converting of aluminium foil and in the manufacture of alufoil containers. The 100 members include companies in Western, Central and Eastern Europe.

Posted August 2003