Plate Price Stagnates in Tokyo

Steel Plate market price keeps flat in stagnation around Tokyo at 78,000-80,000 yen per tonne for products with 19 millimeters thick, 5 feet width and 10 feet length around Tokyo. The price is at 96,000-98,000 yen with cutting process. Makers’ supply maintains tight but distributors have received less orders since the last half of March. Sales competition became severer among the dealers. Dealers aim to raise their reselling prices when steel makers raised steel plate selling price especially for steel frame. Dealers wait and see a chance for the hike.Steel plate demand keeps firm for shipbuilding, construction machinery and industrial machinery. Maker source said the firm’s rolling lead time is being longer with large orders. However, the building and distributors market is slow. Steel plate processor source said orders from general contractors is delay with revision of building standards low, and business situation is hard.The market price around Osaka keeps flat after long holidays in early May at 81,000 yen per tonne for products with 19 millimeters thick, 3 feet width and 6 feet length. Dealers set sales volume before price level when the demand is slow. Dealers would raise their reselling prices soon because higher price steel plate products are delivered from steel makers this month.