Japan June Copper Cathode Inventories Down 5% On Month -METI

SINGAPORE, Jul 29, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Japan's copper cathode inventories fell 5% in June compared with May, to 38,280 metric tons, according to preliminary data released Friday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Copper cathode inventories were 37% higher than in June 2009.

Shipments of refined copper in June reached 121,470 tons, up 2% from May and up 7% from the previous year.

Production of refined copper from Japan's smelters fell 2% on month in June to 130,750 tons, but was up 10% on year.

At 0250 GMT, three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was at $7,188.50/ton, down $41.50 from Thursday's kerb.