Japan Carbon Steel Export Rises by 10.5% in F2006

Japanese carbon steel export increased by 10.5% to 24.684 million tonnes in fiscal 2006 ended March 2007 from fiscal 2005, which increased for the first time in 3 years, announced by Japan Iron and Steel Federation on Wednesday. The special steel export increased by 27.5% to 5.611 million tonnes, which increased for the first time in 2 years. The total steel export including pig iron and ferroalloy increased by 12.0% to 35.913 million tonnes, which was the first increase in 4 years. The total export value reached the first US$ 30 billion, which renewed record for 4 years in a row. The total steel export value increased for 5 years in a row in US dollar and for 7 years in a row in yen. The total steel export increased by 15.4% to 8.92 million tonnes to South Korea in fiscal 2006 from fiscal 2005, which was the first increase in 4 years. The export to China increased by 15.4% to 6.401 million tonnes, which increased for the first time in 3 years. The export to Taiwan increased by 2.2% to 3.604 million tonnes, which increased for 2 years in a row. The export to USA increased by 21.6% to 1.966 million tonnes, which increased for 3 years in a row. The export to Thailand decreased by 0.8% to 3.88 million tonnes, which decreased for 2 years in a row.