In the United States, imports of copper semi-finished products increased while exports decreased

According to the Council of Copper and Brass Refiners (CBFC), imports of rolled brass to the United States during the month of May 2014 increased from the previous year. However, exports fell during the month.

The United States imported nearly 48 million pounds of rolled brass in May this year, up 7.4 percent from 44.70 million pounds of imports recorded in May 2013. Cumulative imports of brass products by US factories during the first five months of 2014 were £ 225.20 million, up 12.2 percent from cumulative imports of £ 200.60 million in the same period a year earlier. (1 lb = 0.45359 kg)

Germany was the main exporter of rolled brass to the United States in May 2014. Total imports from Germany during the month amounted to 10.60 million pounds. This is followed by South Korea with US exports of £ 9.7 million. Mexico was in third place. US imports from Mexico totaled 5.7 million pounds

Imports of all products: sheets, strips, plates and foil amounted to 13.80 million pounds. All imports of pipes and tubular products amounted to 19.10 million pounds. Imports of all profiles and bars amounted to £ 12.30 million. Copper wire imported 3.702 million lbs.

Exports of brass semi-finished products from the United States totaled 22.20 million pounds in May this year, down 6.7 percent from 23.80 million pounds during May 2013, according to data released by the CBFC. Exports of all brass products from the United States during the first five months of this year were £ 108.20 million, down 4.6 percent from £ 113.5 million in January-May last year.