Production in the German aluminium industry fell again in the first quarter of 2024 This is shown by figures from Aluminium Deutschland. One reason for this is the competitive pressure from third countries. The flood of imports from Turkey in particular is causing problems for the industry.
„High energy costs and the generally tense economic situation in Germany continue to hit manufacturers hard. Demand from key customer sectors - especially the construction industry - remains at a low level. Added to this are the weak registration figures for electric cars as a result of the federal government's overnight cancellation of subsidies.“
Rob van Gils, President of Aluminium Germany
Even the Production of recycled aluminium decreased Despite its importance for the decarbonisation of Europe and the associated market potential. In the period from January to March, 685,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium were produced in Germany (-7%).
In the first three months of this year, the volume produced by aluminium semi-finished product processors fell, in some cases by double digits. A good 571,000 tonnes were produced in total - a Down 6 per cent. Manufacturers of rolled products recorded a comparatively moderate decline of 5% to around 448,000 tonnes. In contrast, the production of extruded products fell by 13% to just under 124,000 tonnes, a much sharper decline.
In the aluminium extrusion sector in particular, German manufacturers are facing a Increasing competitive pressure from third countries, especially Turkey. Ten years ago, their market share in Germany was just under half - in the first quarter of 2024, the market share of German manufacturers was still a good third. The largest importers to Germany today are manufacturers from Turkey. Their market share has risen to around 10 per cent in recent years. Van Gils comments:
„We do not shy away from competition and are in favour of free trade. German industry is more dependent on open markets than almost any other. But competition must take place on fair terms. The flood of imports from Turkey at least raises questions about a level playing field. It is not without reason that the USA has initiated anti-dumping proceedings here. Government intervention can affect energy supply, financing conditions or tax concessions. What's more, Turkish extruders are benefiting from discounted access to Russian primary metal, while we are making every effort to make ourselves independent of it - that alone is morally highly questionable.“
Source: Aluminium Germany
