European aluminum foil achieves growth despite “volatile” international trade flows

21 Nov 2018 --- European aluminum foil is experiencing record level surges in demand, according to the European Aluminum Foil Association (EAFA). The third quarter of 2018 has improved on the same period in 2017, principally because of continued outstanding performance in overseas markets, with deliveries in Q3 reaching 237,700 tons, an increase of 6.4 percent on the same period of 2017. Domestic demand has remained solid throughout 2018 and continued to reflect (+0.5 percent) a steady recovery in consumption.

Year to Date (YTD) figures are even more impressive. In marked contrast to the first nine months of 2017, the export performance is 28.8 percent ahead, says EAFA. Thinner gauges, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils, rose by 4.8 percent. Thicker foils used typically for semi-rigid containers and technical applications added 1.9 percent, moving into positive territory after a small decline in the first half of this year. Overall the YTD deliveries, at 718,000 tons are 3.7 percent better than 2017 (692,500 tons).

Remarking on the figures Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of EAFA says: “These good results are based on a unique combination of improved domestic demand and particularly high demand from outside Europe. The international trade flows of aluminum foil have been changed significantly due to the trade actions in the US and elsewhere. These unusual circumstances may not continue in the long term.”

“While the European sector remains satisfied with the current situation, it is very cautious about the effects of a volatile global political situation, which is impacting directly on the industry at present. But we remain confident that the current year will set another record for deliveries from European foil rollers,” he adds.

In June, President Trump’s 10 percent and 25 percent tariffs on aluminum and steel imports came into effect.