Japan Copper Strip Output Hits First 20,000 T in 11 Months

Japanese rolled copper products output was 64,690 tonnes in September, which decreased by 17.4% from a year earlier and represented year-on-year decrease for 14 months in a row, according to quick estimation by Japan Copper and Brass Association. The range of drop narrowed for 6 straight months since the worst record of 60.2% in March.

Copper strip output decreased by 12% to 20,570 tonnes in September from a year earlier. However, the output recovered to more than 20,000 tonnes for the first time in 11 months and showed the minimum year-on-year decrease since January. The recovery of automobile and semiconductor demand lifted the strip output. Brass strip output recorded yearly high when the automobile demand recovered.

The range of drop in September narrowed for 7 months in a row for phosphor bronze sheet and strip. On the other hand, the drop for copper tube widened to 26.1% for 2 straight months from 18.3% in July while brass bar output stayed at low level. The demand in both products remains low due to the stagnation in construction demand.