Nippon Steel to Hike Steel Bar, Wire Rod Export by US$ 150-200/t

Nippon Steel are concluding the export price negotiation for steel bar and wire rod to increase the price by US$ 150-200 per tonne for July-September from April-June, which represents US$ 350-400 higher than January-March. The firm studies for potential surcharge price mechanism to cover price change of vanadium and other alloys for special steel grade. The firm sees the demand is firm for automobile, building and energy industry. The automobile demand is still firm even for North America while the demand is very strong for Thailand, Indonesia and other Southeastern Asian countries. The firm cannot meet the higher orders from the users when the users request 20-30% higher volume compared with October 2007-March 2008 level.