Japan Rolled Copper Output Shows Y/Y Increase in March

Japanese rolled copper production was 88,780 tonnes at a quick estimation in March, increasing by 0.2% from a year earlier, according to Japan Copper and Brass Association. The production represented year-on-year increase for 2 months in a row. The output of copper strip increased and covered the volume decline of brass bar and copper tube.Copper strip production increased by 5.7% to 24,880 tonnes in March from a year earlier. The demand maintained steady from automotive connector pins. Domestic copper manufacturers are in full operations with order backlogs. Production of phosphor bronze sheet and strip was 5,032 tonnes in March, increasing by 5.6% year-on-year. The production exceeded 5,000 tonnes for 2 straight months with the strong demand from cellular phones.Brass bar production decreased by 8% to 19,416 tonnes in March from a year ago, which represented year-on-year decrease for 15 months in a row. The demand maintained slow from gas appliances and water taps. Copper tube production decreased by 3.2% to 14,787 tonnes in March from a year earlier. The demand kept slow from air conditioners when new housing starts are much delayed after the start of Japanese new building standard law.