According to Brazilian copper producers association Sindicel, Brazilian demand for copper products is set to grow more than 10% in 2011 despite government moves to stabilize the country's economy.

63% of Sindicel's members who together represent more than 90% of the Brazilian copper products processing sector foresee copper sales in Brazil growing more than 10% this year compared to 2010.

Mr Sergio Aredes president of Sindicel said recently that Brazilians used some 360,000 tonnes of copper in 2010, a jump from the 300,000 tonnes consumed in 2009 when the market sank amid the economic crisis. However, in 2011 with expected usage of at least 400,000 tonnes consumption is seen exceeding the pre crisis level of 380,000 tonnes in 2008.

According to Brazil's sole copper smelter, Paranapanema SA, around 270,000 tonnes of the copper processed and sold last year in Brazil was imported, mainly in cathode form.

Mr Aredes said that copper usage is seen growing as the country invests in infrastructure to prepare for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. Demand for the metal will grow particularly in the electrical energy and telecommunications sectors.

(Sourced from Market Watch)