Japan Phosphor Bronze Export Drops in Slow Cell Phone Market

Japanese export of phosphor bronze sheets and strips is decreasing. The export represented 1,118 tonnes in Japanese phosphor bronze sheet and strip production in June, which decreased by 20% from a year earlier, according to Japan Copper & Brass Association. The export seemed to be impacted by decline of cell phone market.

Phosphor bronze sheets and strips are used for connector pins inside cell phones. Cell phone sales are weakening in Europe and other areas, especially for high- and middle-grade models. In China, low-grade-model phones are actively purchased. However, the market trend is unforeseeable after Beijing Olympic. With these backgrounds, cell phone parts makers seemed to be cautious in material procurement. Consequently phosphor bronze export might decrease.

Cell phone sales have also slowed down in Japan. The shipment showed 24.9% year-on-year increase in December 2007, according to Japan Electronics & Information Technology Industries Association. In May, the shipment decreased by 10.7% from a year ago and represented y/y down for 4 months in a row.