Japan Stainless Steel Sheet Import Decreases in July

Japanese stainless steel sheet import deceased by 13.6% to 9,032 tonnes in July from June, which became to below 10,000 tonnes for the first time in 4 months, according to Ministry of Finance. The import of cold-rolled stainless steel sheet decreased by 9.3% to 3,605 tonnes, the lowest level in last couple years.The supply of cold-rolled stainless steel sheet is tight worldwide thanks to the strong demand mainly in Europe. Stainless steel makers cannot meet the demand fully despite of continuous full operation. The market price for cold-rolled sheet became to more than US$ 4,000 per tonne under the situation.Japanese market price is also strong at 380,000 yen per tonne. However, the price is at the lowest level in the world. Consequently the import volume is decreasing. The import seems to keep the same level for a while.