China is likely to increase its annual production capacity of refined copper by 230,000 tons in the rest of the year, lower than the anticipation at the end of 2007, according to Steelease under CBIChina.

    China's refined copper output experienced a sharp growth in the fourth quarter last year to reach 357,700 tons last October.

    It is estimated that the output growth will be limited in 2008. Infact, it is quite possible that the third-quarter output will decrease.

    According to the analysis of Steelease, because of the shortage and high price of scrap copper and the weakening domestic  copper demand, there will be delay for some expanding projects on refined copper to go into production, possibly to the year-end.

    Many refining companies with copper concentrate as a major raw material also claimed a possible shortage of the raw material, which may harm the growth of refined copper output in the rest of the year.