Japan Cu Rolled Product Output Shows Y/Y Down in September

Japanese rolled copper production was 78,450 tonnes at a quick estimation in September, decreasing by 3.7% from a year earlier and representing year-on-year down for 2 months in a row, according to Japan Copper & Brass Association. Brass bar and copper tube production decreased along slowdown of domestic construction market.

Brass bar production decreased by 11% to 16,570 tonnes in September from a year earlier. The output showed the first 2-digit decrease since December 2007. The demand was weak from gas appliances, water taps and industrial valves.

Copper tube production was 11,972 tonnes in September, lower by 4.1% year-on-year. The output showed y/y decrease for 20 straight months. The demand was stagnant from industrial air conditioners when new building starts decreased.

Copper strip production increased by 2.1% to 23,530 tonnes thanks to the order backlogs for automotive connector pins at domestic copper sheet and strip makers. However, the makers seem to finish the order backlogs within this year at earliest.