Japan’s Refined Copper Production to Rise 5.5% in Second Half of Fiscal 2025

Japan's refined copper production is expected to increase by 5.5% in the second half of fiscal 2025 compared to the previous year, according to Reuters calculations based on plans outlined by smelters. The rise is attributed to reduced maintenance activities and solid demand, particularly from the electronics and construction sectors.

The financial second half in Japan runs from October to March. The country’s largest copper supplier, Pan Pacific Copper (PPC), anticipates increased output during this period following a dip in production last year caused by renovation work at the Hitachi Refinery in eastern Japan. PPC, jointly owned by JX Advanced Metals, Mitsui Mining and Smelting, and Marubeni, manages smelting and refining operations by outsourcing to its parent companies' facilities, while procuring raw materials and selling refined metals.

Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) also projects a 21% increase in production for the second half of fiscal 2025, following a maintenance shutdown at its Toyo Smelter & Refinery last year. SMM experienced a two-month maintenance closure between September and November, which impacted production.

The Japan Copper and Brass Association has forecast a 5.9% increase in domestic demand for copper products in fiscal 2025, driven by a recovery in the automobile and semiconductor industries. This demand is expected to support the production of copper plates, strips, tubes, and brass bars. Similarly, the Japan Electric Wire & Cable Makers' Association (JCMA) has predicted a 2% growth in domestic copper wire shipments this year, citing robust export demand and a rebound in the semiconductor sector.