Square Steel Pipe Hits First Price Drop in 21 Months

Square steel pipe or column market price decreased in Tokyo for the first time in 21 months. The price decreased by 2,000 yen to around 150,000 yen per tonne. The price is expected to decrease more when transaction at less than 150,000 yen increases. Sheet steel forming shape price also decreased by 2,000 yen. The construction steel market price decreases for all items.

The makers of column and sheet forming shapes keep the selling prices. However, the market price deceases when steel market price decreases for H-beam and other construction materials. Some makers planned another price hike to cover higher plate steel cost. However, the makers couldn’t get the hike.

The price is mixed depending on the areas even around Tokyo. Column price is higher in north of Tokyo while the price is lower in southern area due to competition with dealers in western area. The buyers wait lower price by holding the order while the actual demand decreases.