Most of Copper Tube/Pipe Producers Expect March Orders Little Changed

SHANGHAI, Mar. 13 (SMM) –With regard to copper tube/pipe orders in March, the latest SMM survey of 21 major domestic copper tube/pipe producers yielded the following insights:

52% of these producers hold the view copper tube/pipe orders during March will stay flat with February levels. Of these producers, producers that manufacture copper tube/pipe used in air conditioners, said that, although operating rates at copper tube/pipe producers resumed some in February, finished goods inventories at air conditioner producers are at historical highs at present, which can cut demand for copper tube/pipe. Copper alloy tube producers, though, told SMM that their production is relatively stable but demand remains comparatively low.

43% of copper tube/pipe producers predict March orders will increase slightly. Despite traditional high demand period in March, air conditioner exports have been dipping since 1H 2011, and China's housing market is still under severe control, both of which will dampen copper tube/pipe consumption in March.

5% of these surveyed copper tube/pipe producers cannot predict copper tube/pipe orders in March.