World Cu Alloy Products Output Declines by 6% to 7.25MT in 2008

Annual output of copper alloy products in Japan, North America, Europe and China totaled 7.25 million tonnes through 2008, which decreased by 6% from 2007, according to International Wrought Copper Council. The output represented year-to-year decrease for 2 years in a row. North American production showed 2-digit decline as well as the volume down in Japan and Europe. Global economy deterioration since last autumn impacted the demand from automobiles, electric appliances and constructions. Meanwhile, Chinese production kept the level almost as much as the previous year.