Demand Recovery Delays for Phosphor Bronze Bar and Wire, Japan

Demand recovery is delayed for phosphor bronze bar and wire in Japan. Domestic copper alloy fabricators’ production of phosphor bronze bar and wire was 300 tonnes in July, down by 32.3% from a year earlier, according to Japan Copper & Brass Association. The minus range narrowed compared with June but the production didn’t recover as much as phosphor bronze sheet and strip. Demand seems inactive from automobiles and telecommunication appliances.

A maker source said their order receipts slightly recovered in August due to speculative demand in response to copper market price upsurge but the orders weakened again in September. Copper alloy fabricators’ operation is 50-60% level compared with a year earlier. They seem to suspend plant operations even on weekdays.

Phosphor bronze bar and wire are applied to worm gears for automobiles, rollers for office equipment or hanging parts for trolley wires. Some concerned sources point out demand didn’t recover from common cars though hybrid car production rapidly increased. Another source said phosphor bronze parts may be shifted to other material parts such as plastic. In addition, companies’ capital expenditure is shrinking for office equipment introduction.