Results issued by EAFA, the European Aluminium Foil Association, for the first nine months of 2014 reflect continued sluggish demand in European markets for foil. However, these have been more than offset by the continued strong recovery in export deliveries, resulting in overall sales of 643,000 tonnes, ahead by 1.5% compared with the same period in 2013 (633,000 tonnes).
The figures also show an underlying trend of recovery for thicker gauges, used typically for semi-rigid containers and technical applications, which have shown a welcome increase in volumes of 6% in the year to date. Demand for thinner gauges, used mainly for flexible packaging and household foils, was flat, recording a small decline of 0.4%.
Total deliveries have stayed positive due to a 24% growth in exports for the first nine months of 2014. Continuing problems with the recovery of European markets are reflected in a modest fall in sales of 0.8% for the same period.
In the third quarter of 2014, deliveries with 209,000 tonnes remained at almost the same level as 2013 (210,000 tonnes). But, once again exports boosted this figure with an increase of 15%, while European demand fell by 2%.
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