Weak Steel Column Price in Tokyo

Large diameter column steel market price is expected to decrease around Tokyo when dealers’ reselling volume is dropping due to slower demand from building constructions. The market price kept 152,000 yen per tonne for product with 12 millimeters thick and 300 by 300 mm width including processing charge. Cheaper products are flowing into Kanagawa area from Nagoya area. Some sell the products at below 150,000 yen per tonne around Tokyo.

The demand for large diameter column steel kept low for September-October. Steel frame building construction decreased by 13% in September from August. Many building construction projects are postponed or stopped. The orders to dealers are likely to decrease more.

Large diameter column steel makers had raised the selling price by 20,000 yen per tonne for April shipment and by 15,000 yen for July shipment. They announced additional hike by 5,000 yen for November shipment.

On the other hand, dealers couldn’t pass rising purchase price on their reselling price in July. Some makers postponed the price hike in November when dealers resisted the makers’ offer.