China 2011 Metals Production Expected To Rise 10% On Year -Ministry

SHANGHAI, Aug 02, 2011 -- Production of 10 nonferrous metals will likely record an increase of 10% this year from 2010 amid firm demand from the manufacturing sector, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said Tuesday.

Prices of the metals may stay elevated for the second half of the year, underpinned by economic growth, but uncertainties stemming from the debt situation in the U.S. and fears of debt contagion in euro-zone economies may add volatility to prices, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

It didn't specify which metals it was referring to.

With increasing exports of semi-finished copper and aluminum products, China may experience more trade disputes in the second half, especially if trade protectionism increases in other countries, it said.