Japan H-Beam Export Ups by 58.9% in June

Japanese H-beam export increased to 34,206 tonnes by 58.9% in June from a month ago, which became to over 30,000 tonnes for the first time in 31 months, according to Ministry of Finance. The export is extending mainly for Asia when the steel supply is tightening worldwide and the international market price is rising. Japanese H-beam import was 9,607 tonnes in June, which was below 10,000 tonnes for 2 consecutive months. The trend has surged up that the export increases and the import decreases after April 2006.

Japanese H-beam export had stayed at around 10,000 tonnes since the beginning of 2005. In May 2006 the export increased to 21,533 tonnes, which became to over 20,000 tonnes for the first time in 16 months reflecting the favorable condition of the international steel market. Japanese H-beam export increased to 108,449 tonnes by 55.9% for January-June 2006 from the same period of 2005. Averaged unit price rose by 2,992 yen to 64,937 yen per tonne for January-June 2006 from the same period of 2005.Refer to attached file.