Japan Import Flat Steel Stock Hits First Increase in 3 Months

Japanese imported flat rolled steel inventory increased by 15% or 25,000 tonnes to 187,000 tonnes in Tokyo and Osaka at the end of October from September, according to Japanese major trading firm, Hanwa Co. The inventory increased for the first time in 3 months. The inventory increased for hot rolled coil and cold rolled coil in Tokyo and Osaka.

The inventory increased by 14% or 10,000 tonnes to 80,000 tonnes in Tokyo at the end of October from September, which was 40% or 23,000 tonnes higher than the figure in a year earlier. The inventory was 9,000 tonnes for plate as a level in September. The inventory increased by 8,000 tonnes to 45,000 tonnes for hot coil and by 2,000 tonnes to 26,000 tonnes for cold coil compared with September level.

The inventory increased by 16% or 15,000 tonnes to 107,000 tonnes in Osaka at the end of October from September, which was 32% or 26,000 tonnes higher than the figure in a year earlier. The inventory decreased by 1,000 tonnes to 7,000 tonnes for plate from September. The inventory increased by 6,000 tonnes to 41,000 tonnes for hot coil and by 10,000 tonnes to 59,000 tonnes for cold coil.