Japan Rolled Copper Output Rises by 5.9% in 11 months

Japanese rolled copper output increased by 5.9% to 959,751 tonnes in January-November from same period of 2005, announced by Japan Copper and Brass Association on Tuesday. The output was lifted by much higher output for copper strip, brass bar, copper tube and phosphor bronze sheet and strip. The output kept high level under the strong demand due to the growing economy. The output is likely to reach 1 million tonnes for 2006 for the first time in 2 years. Phosphor bronze output has kept high level through November. The output increased by 18.6% to 54,741 tonnes in the 11 months from same period of 2005. The output was lifted by demand recovery for cell phone and flat panel television since early 2007 after the inventory adjustment. The export was also firm for Asian market. Copper strip output increased by 6.2% to 244,242 tonnes in the 11 months from same period of 2005. The output keeps firm due to strong demand when the demand for electronics devices including digital appliances and cell phone recovered since second half of 2005 and keeps firm in 2006 along with firm automotive applications in offshore market. Brass bar output increased by 9.5% to 238,330 tonnes in the 11 months from same period of 2005. the demand keeps firm for automobile, tap metal fittings, valve and electronics equipments under economy growth though the users buy only immediate requirement under surging copper price. The brass bar export increases since September due to activate of Restricting the use of Hazardous Substances.