Japan Copper Scrap Export Decreases in May

Japanese export of copper scrap decreased by 5.6% to 38,820 tonnes in May from a year ago, announced Ministry of Finance on Friday. The export bound for China decreased by 6.6% to 3,583 tonnes. Copper scrap outflow from Japan to China seems relatively settled down after the export rush due to the rapid economic growth in the country.Japanese copper scrap export for China has increased every month since January 2006 from the previous month. However, it is expected to turn to the decrease in June, when the copper price plunged after the sharp increase and the copper scrap price negotiation became difficult under the wide fluctuation of the price indicator. The copper scrap export for South Korea increased to 828 tonnes in May, 2.1 times of May 2005. The copper scrap outflow is continuing at the certain level from Japan to South Korea.