Rusal Sees Higher Demand For Aluminum From Japan Mid, Long Term

Mar 17, 2011 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Russian aluminum producer United Co. Rusal (0486.HK) sees good prospects for aluminum due to growing demand from Japanese reconstruction in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Rusal, which sends about 8% of its exports to Japan, expects demand for the metal to rise there in the medium- and long-term to meet construction and infrastructure needs, the company's spokeswoman said Thursday.

She said Rusal is "in a unique position to support Japan...with short lead times and consequent flexibility as customers move production to unaffected plants and reconstruction commences".

"We are already responding to customer requests for flexibility with ports and short lead time volume," she added.

She said the second-quarter premiums over cash London Metal Exchange aluminum prices for the delivery to Japan show no decrease from the first quarter of 2011.