The demand for metals in China is expected to slow throughout 2012, with their demands for copper and aluminium being reduced. The country will still likely see a growth in demand, however it will not compare to last year’s growth and there is even a chance that demand may fall.

Wang Huajun, deputy secretary-general of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association commented “It is unlikely to see metals demand to grow at more than 10 percent next year,” given the macroeconomic environment, Wang said at a forum in Shanghai.

The lower demand from China may put further pressure on metal prices, which have already fallen 23% on the LMEX and are likely to fall again with a lower demand.

Imports of copper dropped 9.7 percent through November, according to customs data and the country’s foreign trade will face severe challenges next year.