SHANGHAI, Apr. 25 (SMM) – According to the latest SMM survey of domestic copper tube/pipe producers, 90% of producers are pessimistic about their orders in April.

The environment for exports has yet to improve noticeably, so home appliance demand is weakening overseas, negatively affecting an increase in copper tube/pipe orders. Moreover, both domestic and overseas sales of air conditioner experienced some negative growths since earlier this year, leading to finished goods inventory pressures. Air conditioners’ production interest was dampened as a result. Last year’s large quantities of copper tube/pipe orders did not repeat this year. Under these circumstances, most producers are pessimistic over the outlook in April.

The remaining 10% of producers are still positive about orders during April. In their views, as home appliance producers step up efforts in promotion, finished goods inventory pressures will ease to some extent. In addition, air conditioner producers will appropriately increase output, preparing for promotion during the May Day holiday period. As such, these producers anticipate copper tube/pipe orders will inch higher in April.