MARKET TALK: China Copper Output Dn;Concentrate May Be Reason

Lower-than-expected China March copper production at 220,000 tons may be because of expensive copper concentrate imports, possible maintenance at some smelters, analysts say. Figure lower than 2006 monthly average at 243,750 tons, average for January-February at 240,850 tons; "this partly explains why China imported so much refined copper in the first quarter, and somewhat justified the recent gains in copper prices," says analyst. National Bureau of Statistics also adjusted data for January-February, adding about 37,700 tons, as well as output in 1Q year-ago, which explains inconsistency in on-year percentage changes.