Japan - Rolled copper semis output up by 21% in July - 0 views
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Panos Kotseras on 31 Aug 10According to the Japan Copper and Brass Association, Japanese output of rolled copper products rose by 21% y-o-y to 75,094 tonnes in July 2010. The figure represents a 21-month high, supported by strong exports to China and other Asian countries. It was also a 3% increase from the previous month. It was reported that Japanese output exhibits steady recovery; however, a stronger yen and the end of government subsidies for eco-friendly cars at the end of September will challenge the demand outlook in the second half of the year. In addition, the Ministry of Finance said that Japan's refined copper exports rose by 5% y-o-y to 44,875 tonnes in July, the first y-o-y increase in nine months. China accounted for 45% of total exports in July, compared with 41% in June.