Japan Steel Sheet Export Decreases to Asia in January-March

Japanese steel sheet export by integrated steel makers is expected to reduce in January-March due to dropping demand in the world and market price. Japanese integrated steel maker source said steel sheet export decreases by 50% to electric appliance makers from annual export. South Korean and Chinese steel sheet makers are increasing the selling volume.

The steel sheet export price negotiation by Japanese steel makers and South Korean re-rollers in January-March shipping is expected to move back to the beginning of next year when South Korean re-rollers are advancing the adjustment of the inventory due to lower operation.

Electric appliance makers are rethinking the sales and production plan when business activity is growing stagnant due to financial crisis. Sony decided to reduce the investment by 30% and the output in the worldwide plant for electronics business compared with the middle term plan. Japanese steel maker source said Japanese steel makers take precedence the adjustment of the investment.

South Korean re-rollers are requesting to change the shipping day and the contract volume to Japanese steel sheet makers due to cheap won or financial crisis. Some Japanese maker said South Korean re-rollers skip the price negotiation in January.

However, Chinese steel sheet market price is slightly rising. Japanese integrated steel maker source prospects the market price increases when users’ buying motive rise after Chinese New Y in February.