The U.S. copper industry enjoyed its fourth consecutive year of record consumption in 1999. Copper consumption in the first 10 months of 1999 was 3.4% higher than in 1998.
In Canada, consumption between 1998 and 1999 increased even more, by 8%. A total of 3 million tonnes of refined copper and 1.1 million tonnes scrap was estimated for both the U.S. and Canada. These figures underscore the vigor of North America, where about 5% of the world’s population consumes about 24% of the world’s refined copper output.
Copper consumption in the U.S increased about 30% from 1992 to 1998, representing a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.
Robustness in three sectors — building, air-conditioning and transportation — propelled demand for copper tube, brass rod, and electrical and communications wiring.
An expansion in copper natural gas systems in Canada appeared to offset the loss of some residential plumbing market share to plastic pipe.
Strong demand for Internet access is driving high-capacity copper wiring installations throughout North America. At the same time, production of electronics-laden motor vehicles fueled a surge in demand for wiring harnesses, terminals, and connectors.
Demand for copper magnet wire (about 300,000 tonnes in 1998) kept climbing as high-performance electric motors and improved efficiencies spread to meet conservation goals.
Exports to Third World countries combined with innovations in business electronics, and plastic mold tools are expected to sustain the rising demand for copper.
— The preceding is an excerpt from the 1999 annual report of New York, N.Y.-based International Copper Association.
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