A record price increase in copper in 2005 is prompting plumbers and electricians worldwide to buy aluminium and plastic replacement products. The use of copper has fallen by 9.7% in the US in the first half, 10% in the European Union and 7.5% in Japan.
Copper, which is used in plumbing and wiring, has doubled in price in two years amid rising demand from China, the world's fastest-growing major economy. This has forced users to switch to other materials for plumbing and heating tubes. The market for plastic plumbing and heating tubes, valued at US$6 billion a year, will grow at least 5% pa through 2007.
19-Oct-05 
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