SHANGHAI, Mar. 9 (SMM) - China’s copper cathode output was 634,500 tonnes in February, up 0.55% on the month and 2.67% year-on-year, SMM reported. Output totaled 1.27 million tonnes during January-February, a rise of 3.48% year-on-year.

Real output in February is higher than the 627,000 tonnes expected because Yunnan Copper’s output returned to normal level after maintenance, SMM said.

Copper production is expected to fall in March, SMM predicts. Fangyuan Nonferrous Metals, Yuguang Gold & Lead and Jinguan Copper Corporation have maintenance plans. Zhangjiagang United Copper will replace electrolytic cell. This will affect 51,500 tonnes of output at these smelters during February-April.

Copper cathode production may drop 1.09% year-on-year to 638,000 tonnes in March, SMM said, with output growth during the first three months of the year slowing to 1.9%. 

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