April 17, 2007
| FY 2005 2nd half | FY 2006 1st half | FY 2006 2nd half | FY 2007 1st half | FY 2007 1st half production plan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Result | Result | Plan | Over FY 2006 1st half | Over FY 2006 2nd half | ||
| Total | 6,930 | 7,010 | 7,280 | 7,060 | 101% | 97% | |
| Plate & strip | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,600 | 2,450 | 98% | 94% | |
| Tube | 2,100 | 2,240 | 2,300 | 2,300 | 103% | 100% | |
| Bar & wire | 1,160 | 1,130 | 1,130 | 1,060 | 94% | 94% | |
| Functional surface | 1,170 | 1,140 | 1,250 | 1,250 | 110% | 100% | |
- FY 2007 firsthalf production plan
- : 101% over the same half of the previous year
: 97% over the previous half
Plate & strip
The market was favorable in FY 2006. In particular the automotive market stayed at a high level, while those for semiconductors and connectors entered into an adjustment phase in the middle of the second half.
In the first half of FY 2007, it is anticipated that although the automotive market continues to be favorable, the market for other products will be rather slow in rising, showing yet a gradual recovery in the middle of the first half. After the summer season, the demand for digital home appliances represented by flat-screen TVs aimed at the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 is expected to grow, together with that for connectors and electronic parts.
Tube
Last year a favorable level of production was maintained for room-air conditioners, a major sector for copper tube demands, since advanced models of domestic manufacture enjoyed large sales, and the “out-in” (to import the products outsourced overseas) quieted down.
FY 2007 is expected to be flat with FY 2006, and package-air conditioners will be favorable following the last year.
Bar & wire
Although the same level of production as in the previous year was maintained till the second half of FY 2006, the demand related with plant and equipment investment is deteriorating most recently. In addition, the inventory sales are in an adjustment phase due to the steep rise of the current price of copper, resulting in buying for immediate requirement only. The inventory sales products of our Companyinclude bus bar as a bar product and FullAce as a wire product.
Consequently, the production plan for the first half of FY 2007 accounts for 97% of that for the same half of the previous year.
Functional surface
Reflow-Sn soldered strip for automobiles was very strong in the second half of FY 2006. In FY 2007 the demand is expected to keep a high level.