Japan Import Steel Stock Keeps Decreasing

Japanese imported steel inventory decreases. The stock at quay in Tokyo decreased to 82,000 tonnes, which represented decreases for 4 months in a row, according to Hanwa Co. Domestic importers cannot increase the import when offshore suppliers reduce the shipment for Japanese and increase the export price. The plate inventory has kept less than 10,000 tonnes since June 2007. However, the higher yen rate could increase the import volume when offshore suppliers show sign to increase the shipment for Japan. Japanese users also seek alternative source when domestic steel supply gets tighter.