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The Rio de Janeiro State Government has introduced a tax incentive plan to initiate and promote the growth of the downstream copper industry. A reduction in the VAT on copper products from 19% to 2% (only eligible for companies investing over R$40M) has already led to a decision by Ibrame, the Brazilian manufacturer of copper cathode, wirerod, bar and other products, to construct a copper rod mill in Itatiaia. Upon commissioning in early 2013 the facility is initially expected to produce 70,000t/y of wirerod, processed mainly from direct-use scrap, with capacity rising to 100,000t/y in subsequent years.

Sindicel, the Brazilian electric conductors and non-ferrous metals association, expects sales of copper and copper alloy wire, cable and semis to rise by 10% y-o-y in 2011. Domestic production is also predicted to increase by 10% y-o-y in the same period. The sector's output and sales has been boosted by demand from the automotive, construction and telecommunications industries. In addition, a poll of Brazilian copper products producers revealed that half were operating above 80% capacity utilisation. Ibram, the national mining association, also reported that wire and cable production will grow by 39% by 2016. This will be primarily driven by the construction industry due to events such as the 2014 World Cup, the 2016 Olympics and also government programs. According to Ibram, Brazilian output of copper products was 230,000t in 2010 and is anticipated to grow to 475,000t by 2014.