Rebar Output to Ups by 8% around Tokyo in July-September

Concrete reinforcing steel bar output by makers around Tokyo will increase by 8% to near 900,000 tonnes in July-September from same period of 2005. The output is estimated to increase by 10% to around 1 million tonnes in April-June from same period of 2005 due to firm demand for condominium and office building construction. The output will keep firm in July-September with firm demand though the output decreases by around 10% from April-June due to summer time output reduction. The output is expected to be 320,000-330,000 tonnes in June keeping the high level after 340,000 tonnes in April and 330,000 tonnes in May. Local rebar makers manage to meet the higher demand mainly for condominium with lower inventory. The output is expected to keep the high level in July-September when general contractors will submit order to makers. Building start of reinforced concrete structure around Tokyo increased by 46% to 1.97 square meters in April from a year earlier, according to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The building start will increase in 2006 from 2005, when the start was 1.35 million square meters in April, 1.69 million square meters in May and 1.82 million square meters in June 2005. The higher demand will lift the rebar output to the level at more than 900,000 tonnes in July-September.