Originally published in 1988. Copper is one of the most actively traded commodities. It is a crucial commodity for industrialised countries, most of which depend on imports for their supplies. Copper is also the single most important export for many of the producer-countries. Changes in the patterns of the world trade in copper therefore have an important impact on many countries. This book surveys the state of the world copper industry as it was in the 1980s. It discusses the state of production, demand and trade and assesses trends. Special emphasis is given to the outlook for over capacity, prices and competitive structure.

Author's Preface; Abbreviations; Definition of Country Areas; List of Tables and Figures; 1. Survey of the World Copper Industry 2. Recent Changes in Copper Production, Trade and Industrial Organization 3. Consumption and the Slowdown in Demand 4. Prices, Costs and the Competitive Structure of the Industry 5. Third World Copper Industries: Development and Outlook 6. Government Regulations and International Issues Relating to Copper 7. Technological Innovation 8. The Future of the World Copper Industry: Summary and Conclusions; Bibliography; Index