Japan Rolled Copper Output Hits 15-Month Low

Japanese rolled copper output decreased by 1.3% to 66,330 tonnes in January from a year earlier, announced by Japan Copper and Brass Association on Friday. The output decreased for the first time since October 2009 when the copper strip output decreased due to slower demand for semiconductor and electronic component. The brass bar output was firm due to rebound in housing starts.

The total output showed month-to-month decrease for 3 months in a row through January after the output hit 74,079 tonnes in October 2010. The output decreased due to inventory adjustment by makers.

The copper strip output was less than 20,000 tonnes for 2 months in a row through January. The demand for semiconductor and digital appliance decreased at home and abroad. The export decreased by 16% to 4,700 tonnes in January from a year earlier.

The copper tube output showed year-on-year increase for 12 months in a row through January. The output stays at high level when the dealers and air conditioner makers refill copper tube inventory after strong air conditioner demand during hot summer 2010.