Japan 3 Rolled Copper Majors Plan to Cut Flat, Strip Output by 32% in 1H

Japanese major 3 rolled copper makers plan to reduce the flat and strip production by 32% to 48,186 tonnes in the first half of fiscal 2009 started April from same period of fiscal 2008. The makers expect activity of automobile and other users couldn’t recover the level of first half of fiscal 2008 while the users’ activity improves after the demand hit bottom by March. The makers try to reduce the cost while they improve the sales with short lead time for delivery.

Hitachi Cable plans 15,240 tonnes of the production in the first half of fiscal 2009 after around 13,000 tonnes of production in second half of fiscal 2008. The production decreases by 34% from 23,088 tonnes in the first half of fiscal 2008 despite of the slight recovery from the bottom.

Dowa Metaltech plans 41% lower the production first half of fiscal 2009 from same period of fiscal 2008. The production decreases by 46% to 5,160 tonnes for brass products a19nd by 39% to 10,806 tonnes for copper flat and strip while the nickel series flat and strip production decreases by 14% to 960 tonnes.

Nippon Mining & Metals plans 16,020 tonnes in first half of fiscal 2009, which is 16% lower than same period of fiscal 2008. The firm expects better demand for semiconductor, personal computer and liquid crystal television.