Japan Ferroalloy Import Volume Increases by 3.5% in 2008

Japanese ferroalloy import increased to 2.192 million tonnes by 3.5% in 2008 over the previous year, according to Ministry of Finance. Average import price increased to CIF 252,200 yen per tonne by 49.5% in 2008 from 2007 when high carbon ferromanganese price rose by 2.2 times and other items increased. The ferroalloy import value increased to around 552.6 billion yen by 54.7% or 195.5 billion yen.

Silicomanganese import price increased to average 219,400 yen per tonne by 83.6% in 2008 from 2007. Ferrochrome import price increased by 79.9%. Rising import prices for major items pulled up total import value.

Ferromanganese import price decreased to 257,400 yen per tonne by 1.5% in December from November, which decreased for 4 consecutive months. Silicomanganese import price decreased for 3 consecutive months and ferrosilicon import price decreased for 4 consecutive months. These prices were adjusted from higher level. Average ferroalloy import price decreased by 9.2% in December from November while increased by 42.5% in December from a year earlier.