Japan Import Flat Steel Stock Increases for 3 Consecutive Months

Japanese imported flat steel inventory at quay in Tokyo and Osaka increased by 11.5% or 25,000 tonnes to 242,000 tonnes at end of October from September, which increased for 3 consecutive months, announced by Hanwa Co. on Wednesday. The inventory was 8.0% or 18,000 tonnes higher than a year earlier level when cold-rolled steel sheet import continues steady and users’ purchase volume keeps low.

Hanwa sees the higher demand from April was due to slower demand in Tokyo.

The inventory in Osaka increased by 20.0% or 21,000 tonnes to 126,000 tonnes at end October from September. The stock was flat at 11,000 tones for plate, decreased by 21.0% or 8,000 tonnes to 30,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil and by 51.7% or 29,000 tonnes to 85,000 tonnes for cold coil.

The stock in Tokyo increased by 3.5% or 4,000 tonnes to 116,000 tonnes at end October from September. The stock increased by 10.0% or 1,000 tonnes to 11,000 tonnes for plate, by 4.2% or 3,000 tonnes to 73,000 tonnes for hot coil and flat at 32,000 tonnes for cold coil.

Dealer source said there is high possible the inventory increases when the import is expected to increase in near future due to higher yen rate.