SINGAPORE, Jun 29, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Japan's copper cathode inventories rose 18% in May compared with April to 40,145 metric tons, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Copper cathode inventories in May were 28% higher than the same month in 2009.
Shipments of refined copper in May reached 119,663 tons, down 7% from April but flat from the previous year.
Production of refined copper rose 4% on month in May to 132,901 tons, and was up 2% from a year earlier.
At 0330 GMT, three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was at $6,502/ton, up $9 from Tuesday's kerb.
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