SMM Cu Survey: Operating Rates at Copper Rod Producers Down Slightly to 72% in November

SHANGHAI, Nov. 30 (SMM) –SMM's latest survey showed that the average operating rate at copper rod producers fell slightly to 72% in November. Operating rates for November at large copper rod producers recorded some sliding over the prior month, down by about 2%. Surveyed producers confirmed to SMM that, as uncertainty and risks from recent copper prices accumulate, orders from end-users have declined. Moreover, faltering economies in the US and Europe have hit exports by hardware and sanitary fixture producers as well as other end-users of copper rod. Nevertheless, SMM believes operating rates at copper rod producers should hold stable in December.