China, the world's biggest consumer of copper, more than doubled imports of the metal in March as the peak demand period for the construction industry began.

 

Imports of refined copper and alloys rose to 208,014 metric tons, 142 percent more than a year earlier, according to data issued by the Beijing-based customs office Monday. That's the highest since at least January 2004, according to Bloomberg data.

 

China's year-on-year imports of copper, used in electrical wiring and pipes, have risen every month since December, as the country stopped running down its domestic stockpiles. The price of copper has gained 26 percent so far this year.

 

(Shanghai Daily April 24, 2007)