Japan Steel Demand to Rise Marginally in April-June

Japanese steel demand will increase by 0.2% to 26.55 million tonnes in April-June from same period of 2007, announced by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Monday. METI expects the demand represents 30.27 million tonnes of raw steel output, which is 1.3% higher than same period of 2007 and is the first 30 million tonnes mark as April-June. METI expects the demand keeps high level due to strong demand for automobile, machinery and shipbuilding. METI expects the demand decreases in April-June from January-March. METI sees the building demand will recover from the slump after new building standard law started in June 2007 and export demand could keep firm mainly for developing countries. METI also warns steel makers should be cautious for higher steel inventory for construction materials when domestic construction demand shows sign for peaking. METI expects the makers’ and distributors’ steel inventory for domestic market will be flat at end of June as estimated 5.406 million tonnes at end of March, which is 0.9 month of shipment.