Copper Forecast for 2009 Cut by Triland on Demand; Tin Raised

Oct. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Copper forecasts for next year were lowered by Triland Metals Ltd. because of slowing economic growth in the U.S., the world's second-largest user of industrial metals. Estimates for nickel were also lowered and tin raised.

Copper for delivery in three months will average $7,000 a metric ton to $7,200 a ton, down from a July forecast of $7,400 to $7,600 a ton, said Michael Khosrowpour, a trader at London- based Triland, one of 12 companies trading on the floor of the London Metal Exchange.

``If the U.S. economy struggles more than people suspect, it's going to directly affect construction and automobile sectors,'' Khosrowpour said. ``That's why we're more bearish.''

Nickel for delivery in three months will average $21,000 to $23,000 a ton, compared with a July forecast of $22,000 to $24,000 a ton, he said. Tin for delivery in three months will average $19,000 to $20,000, $1,000 more than the previous forecast, Khosrowpour said. Zinc will average $1,700 to $1,900 a ton, up from $1,650 to $1,850 a ton.

Lead and aluminum forecasts were unchanged.

To contact the reporter on this story: Claudia Carpenter in London at ccarpenter2@bloomberg.net or ccarpenter2@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Stuart Wallace at swallace6@bloomberg.net