Japan 4 Major Rolled Copper Makers to Increase Output in 2H

Rolled copper production at Japanese 4 major rolled copper makers will increase by 2.8% to average 23,585 tonnes per month in second half of fiscal 2006 ending March 2007 from the same period of fiscal 2005, which are Hitachi Cable, Furukawa Electric, Dowa Metaltech and Nippon Mining & Metals. Demand is expected to keep firm for digital appliances and automotive parts in 2H, while some demand fields are in adjustment phase. Most of the 4 makers planned to increase output in 2H of fiscal 2006 from the same period of fiscal 2005 with expectation demand would maintain steady.