The Aluminum Association announced that its “Index of Net New Orders of Aluminum Mill Products” recorded an increase of 4.5% in January after declining for eight consecutive months. Orders for flat roll products (including can stock and foil) increased 8% while order receipts for extruded products rose 10.7%. Orders for “other” mill products, including drawing stock, electrical conductor and forgings, fell 22.4%. New orders, however, were still down from January 2008.

The index is based on reports by 20 participants of new orders (less cancellations) received for the previous month. It is not intended to be representative of the entire industry, and the 20 participants represent about 70% of total industry shipments in the U.S. and Canada. The index is based on a calendar month and is not adjusted for the actual number of working days.