UAE primary aluminium to grow in Europe

In line with the region's ambitions to grow product sales in Europe, the potential contribution of the UAE's primary aluminium industry to the European market was again highlighted during the 9th Metef International Aluminium Exhibition (Metef 2012), thanks to the joint participation of Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) and Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) at this high profile event.

Already well known in the region, DUBAL and EMAL's foundry products are used extensively by the European Union's automotive industry - comprising all the major carmakers - to manufacture wheels, engine components, plus the shiny rims and trims on highend automobiles. The two companies' products are also widely used to manufacture aeroplane sheet and plates for the European Union's aerospace  industry.

"In 2012, we expect that over 27% of the 1,795,000 metric tonnes joint cast production of DUBAL and EMAL will be shipped to Europe," says Sultan Al Sabri (General Manager Marketing & Sales: Europe & The Americas).

Al Sabri adds that DUBAL has been an active player in the European market since 1996, shipping substantial volume of product each year to Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, France and Greece. The company has enjoyed good market share growth over the years, and this trend is set to continue.

"Given that the European Union as a whole needs to import approximately 60% of its primary aluminium requirements, we foresee excellent opportunities to grow the market share of DUBAL and EMAL in the region," he says.