JFE Steel to Hike Galvanizing Steel by up to 10,000 yen/t

JFE Steel decided to increase the selling price of galvanizing steel products to cover surging zinc cost. The firm already started the talk with some users. The firm tries to increase the price up to 10,000 yen per tonne depending on the users. The firm also increases the export price by more than US$ 100 per tonne for all steel products for July-September shipment.Zinc market price surged since the end of 2005 reaching US$ 3,900 per tonne at London Metal Exchange by the end of May, which tripled during the period. Japanese steel makers try to absorb the higher cost price. However, Japanese steel makers and especially rerollers announced price hike to pass the extremely higher zinc cost and to keep stable operations.JFE Steel also decided wide price hike of the export price for July-September shipment when steel supply balance is getting better especially in Asian market. The firm will increase the price as much as US$ 100 per tonne depending on the items.