Japan Stainless Makers’ Flat Steel Stock Rises by 5.8% in June

Stainless steel makers’ flat steel inventory was 5.8% higher at 134,325 tonnes at end of June from a year earlier, according to Japan Stainless Steel Association. The inventory, which was 1.6% lower than May, was relative high though the stock could decrease under makers’ output reduction. The inventory increased by 54.8% to 9,912 tonnes for nickel series flat steel for domestic market at end of June from a year earlier. The stock of nickel series hot rolled coil increased by 24.6%. The inventory could decrease significantly when makers reduce the nickel series production. The stock of chrome series hot coil was 15.9% lower at 4,835 tonnes for domestic market and 45.2% lower at 6,853 tonnes for export at end of June from a year earlier. The supply is still tight despite of full capacity operations by the makers.