Japan Raw Steel Output Hits Record in F2007

Japanese raw steel output increased by 3.2% to 121.52 million tonnes in fiscal 2007 ended March 2008 compared with the previous fiscal year, which hit the new record in 34 years, announced by Japan Iron and Steel Federation on Monday. The output exceeded 100 million tonnes for 8 consecutive years since fiscal 2000. Japanese integrated steel makers expanded their capacities and continued high level output .to meet strong demand mainly for high grade steels.The converter steel output increased by 4.2% to 90.55 million tonnes in fiscal 2007 from fiscal 2006 while the electric furnace steel output increased by 0.5% to 30.97 million tonnes.The carbon steel output increased by 3.5% to 95.11 million tonnes in fiscal 2007 from fiscal 2006. The special steel output increased by 2.2% to 26.41 million tonnes, which renewed the record high for 6 consecutive years.The hot rolled steel products output increased by 3.1% to 109.21 million tonnes including special steels in fiscal 2007 from last year, which reached 100 million tonnes for 5 straight years and hit the new record since fiscal 1990. The carbon steel products output increased by 3.3% to 87.47 million tonnes. The special steel products output increased by 2.1% to 21.74 million tonnes, which exceeded the record marked in fiscal 2006.