Chile. Chilean copper exports showed the first increase of the year reaching a figure of 2.4%, in January 2008, representing a total of US $ 3,273.6 million, as announced by spokesmen of the Central Bank.Last year an increase of 18.1% was achieved more than the total figure of 2006, which allows us to elucidate that it is one of the most sustainable sectors of the Chilean economy. Despite the increase in demand for copper from China, Cochilco (Copper Mining Commission) was able to maintain the estimated price to start the year which was US$ 3.10 per pound.
The advisors of the Central Bank have perceived that the figure will continue to increase, positioning the country as the largest producer of the mineral in the world, expecting to reach 5.7 million tons for this year, which would imply an increase of 3.4% compared to 2007.
