Record Export of Japan Stainless Scrap to China in May

Japanese stainless steel scrap export to China hit monthly record at 11,270 tonnes in May, which was 11.5% higher than former record at 10,110 tonnes in April and exceeded 10,000 tonnes for 2 months in a row. The export has kept increasing for 5 months in a row. The export to China represents around 37% after April while the export to China was 15-20% for years. The export to China in April and May represented more than half of export in fiscal 2005 ended March 2006. The total stainless scrap export was 25,290 tonnes in May, which was 20.3% lower than record at 31,740 tonnes in April and 42.2% higher than 17,780 tonnes in May 2005. The export exceeded 25,000 tonnes for 3 months in a row. The export to China increased by 794.4% from 1,260 tonnes in May 2005. The export to South Korea decreased to 14,020 tonnes, which decreased by 34.8% from 21,490 tonnes in April and by 14.7% from 16,430 tonnes in May 2005. The total export was 4th high in May though the volume decreased from April. The export keeps record pace when the volume was 2nd high in March and monthly record in April.