Sharp declines in sales across the automotive, construction and aerospace industries in late 2008-2009 had a profound impact on aluminium prices, which dropped over 60% from a record of about US $1.50 per pound in July 2008 to a seven year low of US $0.57 in late February 2009. A recovery has since emerged and prices at the end of 2009 were US $1.02, mainly supported by China’s demand. China’s stimulus program has been improving the country’s transportation infrastructure, which in turn should lead its citizens to upgrade from motorcycles to cars, further driving aluminium demand.