Weak Ni Stainless Bar in Tokyo

Stainless steel bar market price decreased to 640,000-650,000 yen per tonne for SUS304 and 980,000-1,000,000 yen for SUS316 around Tokyo this month. The market price for SUS403 bar keeps flat at 425,000 yen. Japanese major stainless steel maker announced to decrease the selling price of SUS304 by 70,000 yen per tonne in November.

The demand had kept firm until summer, but is decreasing from machine tools or semiconductor manufacturing equipment after September. A large dealer source anticipates the inventory may increase. The supply and demand balance is expected to become loose when dealers’ delivery period is shorting.

Nickel price keeps over US$ 4 per pound at London Metal Exchange. LME price is unlikely to rebound.