Page 18 - Altogether Magazine Issue 4 English

18 ALUMINIUM FLAT ROLLED PRODUCTS Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the world, and as an element it comprises about 8% of the earth’s crust. Aluminium is a versatile metal due to its exceptional properties; namely lightness, strength, corrosion resistance, ductility, conductivity and recyclability. Because of these attributes, Aluminium has a variety of applications ranging from building, automotive, transportation, infrastructure and other sectors. Aluminium is produced by the energy- MARKET intensive electrolysis process, and Aluminium consumption is predicted to nevertheless grow Nearly 50% of Aluminium Alloys produced around 2-3% annually over the next 5 years. globally end up as flat rolled products (FRP) Hence large smelters have been established in mainly in the form of sheet, plate and foil. the ME region due to availability of inexpensive China was the biggest consumer of FRP in 2012, power. The metal produced at these smelters followed by Europe and North America. CRU can be shipped out to customers across the expects that China will continue to show high globe or consumed locally. Local consumption growth rates in the coming years. Total FRP requires downstream industries that can consumption is expected to reach 26.5 million benefit from being locating close to a smelter. tons by 2017, which represents about 5% annual Downstream industries that would have growth from 2013-2017 (source CRU, Hydro). strategic advantages located close to a smelter The end-users of FRP are: Packaging (52%), are: Automotive and Transportation (13%), Building • Rolling; and Construction (11%), Consumer durables (8%), Industrial machinery (9%) and other (7%). • Extrusion; It is clear that the main end use sector for FRP • Near Net Shape casting, foundry products; is packaging. However, this sector is expected and to see the lowest growth rates in the coming years. On the other hand, the transport sector • Wire and Rod plants. is gaining importance, mainly due to higher demand for automotive body sheet. Regionally in Asia, excluding China, the growth in consumption of FRP will be lead by South Korea, India, Middle Eastern countries and Turkey (source CRU, Hydro).