Japan Copper Import Exceeds 10,000t for 2 Months

Japanese import of electrolytic copper (cathode copper) increased by 11.7% to 10,489 tonnes in December from a year earlier, which hit the high level at above 10,000 tonnes for 2 months in a row, according to the trade statistics by Ministry of Finance.

The import of primary aluminium ingot increased by 4.2% year-on-year in December, which represented year-on-year increase for the first time since July 2007. Domestic demand for primary aluminium seemed to increase when ingot price dropped down despite of the slower consumption under the influence of stagnant housing starts. The import of aluminium alloy ingot increased by 15.7% year-on-year in December thanks to the firm demand from automobile industry.

The import of electrolytic lead jumped up by 59.9% year-on-year in December when Australia, the large supplier of lead, restarted the lead export. Electrolytic zinc decreased by 37% for more than 99.99% purity while increased by 71.8% for less than 99.99% purity in December from a year earlier.

Nickel import decreased by 3.8% in December from a year ago. Domestic stainless steel makers are decreasing their output to balance the supply and demand.Refer to an attached table.