Aluminum exec gives mixed outlook

摘要

North American aluminum consumption will total 10-10.5 million metric tons this year, a 3-4 percent increase. "While not breathtaking, there are certainly grounds for optimism looking ahead," said Brian Sturgell, executive vice president of Alcan and chairman of The Aluminum Association. He spoke at the group's Spring Meeting in Baltimore on April 1. "Our economy continues to suffer as it tries to gain traction," Sturgell said. "Just as manufacturing showed some signs of life last winter, today's uncertainty darkens prospects for a rebound." Consumers have retrenched and the stock market's prolonged swoon continues with no prospect of sustained recovery. "Clearly, this is not a climate that favors investment, risk taking or confidence. So there can be little doubt why business conditions for our companies here and abroad remain challenging."