Countered by European demand

摘要

Countering this is the good demand evident in Europe. Again MBR has noted in its aluminium research publications and earlier editions of this report, that demand in the European market is healthy with consumers returning after the summer period. In Spain, for example, in the first half of 2000 initial estimates indicate that primary aluminium consumption rose 21 percent to 294,100 tonnes year-on-year. However, we should caution that the weakness in the euro and concerns over the longer term picture in Europe is suppressing forward buying of aluminium products. Although at present underlying physical demand appears to be good, we note that there is a requirement for orders with short delivery times. European lead times for standard sheet are now in the order of 6-8 weeks.