China, the world's biggest consumer of copper, more than doubled
imports of the metal in March as the peak demand period for the
construction industry began.
Imports of refined copper and alloys rose to 208,014 metric
tons, 142 percent more than a year earlier, according to data
issued by the Beijing-based customs office Monday. That's the
highest since at least January 2004, according to Bloomberg
data.
China's year-on-year imports of copper, used in electrical
wiring and pipes, have risen every month since December, as the
country stopped running down its domestic stockpiles. The price of
copper has gained 26 percent so far this year.
(Shanghai Daily April 24, 2007)