Nippon Steel Expands Wire Rod Market Share in 1H

Japanese carbon steel wire rod output increased by 11.3% to 570,000 tonnes in the first half year to September from same period of 2005. The output was 1.5 million tonnes in fiscal 2001 at the ending of March, which had been decreasing after fiscal 2002, and which dropped to 1 million tonnes in fiscal 2005. However, the output is expected to recover in fiscal 2006. Top 6 makers increased their output in the first half year. Their ranking was also same. However, top maker, Nippon Steel expand the share, other 5 makers decreased their share. Nippon Steel increased the output by 38.4% in the first half year to September from same period of 2005, which increased the market share by 7.6 points to 38.9% when the firm build up the production system and get the demand for the steel wire for cold header used automobile with the firm’s group companies such as Calvert Japan and Shin Sanko Seisen. No.2 maker, NS Bar and Wire increased the output by 9.2% in the first half year to September from same period of 2005, decreased the market share by 0.4 points to 21.9%. No, 3, Godo Steel increased the output by 0.7%, decreased the share by 1.8 points. No, 4, JFE Bars & Shapes Corporation increased the output by 0.8%, decreased the share by 0.7 points. No, 5, Kobe Steel increased the output by 0.3%, decreased the share by 0.8 points. No, 6, Sumitomo Metals (Kokura) increased the output by 2.4%, decreased the share by 0.5 points.