World Cu, Zn, Ni Oversupply in 2009, Study Groups

World supply of copper and zinc will become around 300,000 tonnes of oversupply in 2009 while lead supply is balanced, according to International Copper Study Group (ICSG) and International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG). Nickel supply will be 110,000 tonnes of oversupply, according to International Nickel Study Group (INSG).

ICSG expects the world copper demand will increase by 2.9% to 18.25 million tonnes in 2008 from 2007. ICSG expects the growth rate decreases due to slower Chinese demand from more than 4% increase in 2007. ICSG forecasts the demand will reach 19 million tonnes in 2009 due to higher electrolytic copper output in Asia along with higher output in Africa and North and South America.

ILZSG expects the lead demand and supply will increase to 9 million tonnes in 2009 with balanced supply and demand. ILZSG expects the oversupply of zinc increases to 330,000 tonnes in 2009 from 150,000 tonnes in 2009 when the supply increases by around 5% in 2008 and 2009.

INSG expects the oversupply decreases to 30,000 tonnes in 2008 due to higher demand and lower supply. However, the oversupply will increase to 110,000 tonnes in 2009 due to higher supply volume in New Caledonia and Brazil.