H-Beam Price Rises by 2,000 yen/t in Tokyo

H-beam market price increased by 2,000 yen to 78,000 yen per tonne for product with 200 by 100 millimeters width around Tokyo. The distributors try to pass higher cost price on the market after Nippon Steel and Tokyo Steel Manufacturing increased the selling price by 3,000 yen. The price could increase more when the distributors target 80,000 yen level in September. The price was 76,000-77,000 yen per tonne due to slow demand though the distributors tried to increase the price level to 80,000 yen to pass higher cost after the makers’ hike in March. The distributors said their inventory decreases and they have some stock out sizes. With the better supply balance, the distributors accelerated the price hike effort. The makers’ additional hike supported the increase. The price could increase more with pressure by makers hike. The distributors try to keep the materials with expectation for higher price when the makers reduce the output to serve more for manufacturers including automakers and shipbuilders. The buyers could have trouble to secure the material.