NSSC to Raise Stainless Cold Sheet Export Price by US$ 50/t

Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Steel (NSSC) stops the export offer of stainless cold rolled sheet in March 20-31. After the period, the firm will increase the export price by US$ 50 from US$ 2,400-2,500 per tonne for April-May shipment. Stainless steel supply is tightening at overseas, especially in Europe, and the lead time from contract to shipment became 90 days from usual 60 days. Then NSSC decided to adjust the order booked.Stainless steel demand is also increasing in Japan. At NSSC, the order reception increased for nickel based stainless steel sheet in January by around 15% from a year ago and by around 34% from December 2005. The demand is especially strong from large contract users. NSSC says the order increases especially from railcar and home appliances including electric water heater.NSSC continues the output reduction at the same time. The firm will keep the output volume of cold-rolled stainless steel sheet at 80% of its production capacity.