【SMM Aluminum Flash News】Japan Earthquake Disrupts Auto Production, Adding Pressure to Aluminium and ADC12 Demand

Published: Aug 13, 2026 10:48

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A 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Japan's Kyushu region has prompted temporary production suspensions at plants operated by Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Daihatsu, while disruptions have also spread to auto-parts suppliers. The shutdowns come during Japan's seasonal automotive slowdown, further weakening spot demand for primary and secondary aluminium. Japan's ADC12 import assessment remained at US$3,000–3,050/t CFR on July 29, while buyer bids fell to US$2,800–2,900/t. Chinese suppliers were offering around US$3,020–3,050/t CFR, compared with US$3,100–3,200/t from Southeast Asian producers. Market participants expect Japanese ADC12 demand to remain weak through the rest of the quarter amid lower automotive production and fewer working days in August and September.

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