China’s refined copper output rose by 63,700 tons from February to a record high
in March, broadly in line with expectations, Shanghai Metals Market reported.
Production is expected to decline in the second quarter due to maintenance, with
eight smelters scheduled for shutdowns spanning April and May. Some producers
also reported tighter anode supply, adding pressure on output. April production
is forecast to fall by about 33,000 tons month-on-month, though the full impact
of maintenance may be more evident in May.
