Copper demand set to recover

Xstrata Plc, the world's fourth-biggest copper producer, expects copper demand in China to recover in the second half of the year as the world's biggest metals consumer takes steps to boost its economy.

"The commentary from China that they're going to look to re-stimulate the economy in some areas is positive," Charlie Sartain, chief executive officer of the copper unit of Switzerland-based company', told reporters in Sydney.

Premier Wen Jiabao said over the weekend that the government will concentrate more on bolstering economic growth.

Copper prices in London have dropped by 11 percent since a February high because of concerns about the prospects for global demand as China missed its growth expectations in the first quarter of this year.