Copper production: Global copper mine production fell by 2.2 % until the end of August 2017. Capacity utilization of copper mines fell by 5 % following the expansion of global capacities. Causes were, among other things, the strike in the world's largest copper mine Escondida and ex-port restrictions in Indonesia. Refinery production remained stable in the course of the year to date, with slightly lower capacity utilization. Global consumption also stagnated. The main driver was a slight decline in demand in China. While consumption fell in the USA, Germany and South Korea, there was an increase in Japan and India. After declining to a deficit in refinery production of approx. 150,000 metric tons, the market is likely to show at most a minor supply deficit in 2017.
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