While the aluminium foil market in Europe recorded growth of almost 15% in the third quarter of 2024, the German aluminium industry continues to struggle with declining production. Differences in demand and framework conditions characterise the industry.
According to the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) demand for aluminium foil in Europe increased by 4.6 per cent in the first nine months of 2024. The third quarter in particular saw a significant recovery, with growth of 15% to 220,300 tonnes.
The increase was due to both Higher deliveries of thin films for flexible packaging as well as thicker films for semi-rigid containers and technical applications. Demand within Europe in particular rose by 6 per cent. However, despite an improvement in the third quarter, exports outside Europe remained 6 per cent down on the previous year.
Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of EAFA, explained that the industry is experiencing stabilisation despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and subdued economic growth. The association is optimistic about the coming quarter and the year 2025.
Production declines in the German aluminium industry
This contrasts with the situation in the German aluminium industry, which continued to report declining production figures in the third quarter of 2024. Particularly affected are Aluminium recyclers with a decline of 6 per cent compared to the previous year. The production of semi-finished products also fell by 3 per cent in the first three quarters.
Rob van Gils, President of Aluminium Germany, called for a rapid response from politicians in order to strengthen Germany's competitiveness. He criticised high energy costs, increasing bureaucracy and trade policy risks as key challenges. At the same time, almost 30 per cent of companies see themselves forced to cut jobs.
Source: Aluminium Germany, European Aluminium Foil Association
