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Brazilian refined copper wire exports fell sharply year-on-year in March as Argentina and Costa Rica continued to reduce shipments. Exports for the month totalled 1,848 tonnes, down 41.6% from the same period last year, according to figures from the country's trade ministry. The figure was up from the 1,446 tonnes exported in February. However, combined exports for the first quarter of 2013 stood at 6,220 tonnes, down 47.1% year-on-year. Export revenues stood at $15.09 million, compared with $27.62 million in March 2012. Wire thinner than 6mm accounted for 1,135 tonnes of the exports, whereas other kinds of refined copper wire accounted for 712 tonnes. As in the previous month, Argentina was the main Brazilian copper wire buyer with 1,311 tonnes, although this total was less than the 1,835 tonnes it imported in March 2012. Costa Rica, the second main buyer, registered 203 tonnes, compared with 402 tonnes in the same month last year.

Brazilian copper and alloy semis manufacturer Termomecanica is planning to invest BRL300M (US$143M) in several new products and production facilities. The plans will see the company develop a new line of tube and rolled products, as well as new brass rebar production facilities in Chile and Argentina. The company said that its current production capacity is 140,000 t/y, and that they are producing about 90,000 tpy, stating that they believe in the expansion of the domestic market and an in increase exports. Termomecanica's industrial facilities include two sites in the city of São Bernardo in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, two distribution centres in São Bernardo and Joinvile. The new expansion will add an additional 7% of capacity to the company's operations.