Nippon Steel Suspends Four Galvanizing Lines in Japan

Nippon Steel currently suspended total four hot dip and electro galvanizing lines at domestic iron works. Steel sheet export is decreasing under strong yen trend while domestic demand maintains low for building materials and steel sheet inventory is increasing in domestic market. Nippon Steel concentrates galvanizing operations in main productive lines of each iron works and improves cost competitiveness and product quality.

The firm suspended 2 continuous hot dip galvanizing lines for building materials in Nagoya iron works and Kimitsu iron works while stopped 2 electro galvanizing lines for electric appliances in Yahata iron works and Kimitsu iron works.

World steel demand is slowing down after European financial crisis and economic downturn in emerging countries. In Japan, supply and demand balance of steel sheet is loosening. Domestic steel sheet inventory, including hot, cold and surface treated steel sheets, was announced at above 4.3 million tonnes at the end of September, which exceeded 4.3 million tonnes for 2 months in a row.