Japan Stainless Steel Sheet Import Increases in August

Japanese stainless steel sheet import increased by 28.1% to 11,571 tonnes in August from July, which exceeded 10,000 tonnes for the first time in late 2 months, according to Japan Stainless Steel Association. The import of cold-rolled stainless steel sheet especially increased by 40.5% to 5,066 tonnes.The import from South Korea much increased by 28.8% to over 10,000 tonnes in August from July. Both hot- and cold-rolled stainless steel sheets increased from South Korea in August from the previous month.Japanese stainless steel makers are reducing order acceptance even under the tightness of domestic supply. Dealers are facing difficulty to procure enough stainless steel products from the makers. Then consumers must depend on the imports which are not cheap.