Japan Rolled Copper Output Increases by 2% in January

Japanese rolled copper products output increased by 2% to 79,900 tonnes in January from a year earlier, representing first increase since November 2004, announced by Japan Copper and Brass Association on Tuesday. The output increased by more than 10% for phosphor bronze sheet and strip and copper strip while brass bar output increased by more than 5%. The demand increased when the demand is recovering under better market condition for semiconductor and digital appliances along with higher capital expenditure. The output of phosphor bronze sheet and strip increased by 14.8% to 4,367 tonnes in January from a year earlier, which was first increase with more than 10% since June 2004. The output increased for 2 months in a row due to firm demand for terminal connector of automobile and semiconductor. The demand regains the stability despite of the volatility in the digital appliance after the inventory adjustment completed in late 2005. The output of copper strip increased by 12.1% to 20,800 tonnes in January from a year earlier, which was first double digit increase since July 2004. The output increased for 5 months in a row. The output increased with higher demand for automotive terminal connector and semiconductor lead frame, of which market condition improved after inventory adjustment. The copper strip export turned into increase under higher consumption at offshore lead frame production sites. The demand is expected to keep increasing when new model releases are planned for digital cameras and cell phones toward the new fiscal year. The output of brass bar increased by 5.7% to 20,148 tonnes in January from a year earlier. The output increased for 2 months in a row, which was first consecutive increase since September 2004. The volume reached 20,000 tonnes for 4 months in a row. Higher demand for semiconductor and digital appliances increased expenditure for communication facilities lifting demand for connector. The demand also increased for automobile.