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The Copper Theft Barometer eased to a level of R12 million in August from R12.2 million in June and R15.4 million in May 2014. This is the second monthly decrease since February, and hopefully reflects the strengthening of the downward trend that started in June 2014. The Copper Theft Volume Indicator dropped to 158 metric tons in July from 166 tons in June and 214 tons in May 2014.

The international average monthly spot price of copper to date slipped to $7 008 in August from $7 117 in July 2014. South African exports of waste copper products dropped slightly to $24.6 million in June from $25.7 million in May 2014. A recent policy suggestion in the ongoing public debate on cable theft was to ban copper waste exports in order to fight copper theft. SACCI believes this policy innovation is likely to be counterproductive as it could create a perverse incentive mislabel exports. It is also important to note that South Africa already has a system of export restrictions on waste metal in place.

The outlook for reductions in copper theft levels for 2014 is now more positive than before, but remains a concern. SACCI is heartened to see more municipalities proactively setting up specialist units to combat copper theft and making use of various communication channels like social media to enlist the help of communities in this important endeavor.