Japan 5 Major Steels’ Raw Steel Output Drops by 5.8% in F2011

Japanese 5 integrated steel makers’ raw steel output decreased by 5.8% to 81.15 million tonnes in fiscal 2011 ended March 2012 from fiscal 2010, which decreased for the first time in 2 years. The demand slowed under the impacts of the major earthquake, Thai flood, historical high yen exchange rate and overcapacity in Asia. The output kept more than 80 million tonnes but the output was around 10% less than the peak of 89.96 million tonnes in fiscal 2007.

Nippon Steel’s raw steel output decreased by 7.2% to 30.63 million tonnes in fiscal 2011 from fiscal 2010. The firm idled No.2 blast furnace of Kimitsu works for relining earlier than original schedule to meet slower demand.

JFE Steel’s output decreased by 6.6% to 26.9 million tonnes in fiscal 2011 from fiscal 2010. The firm idled No. 2 blast furnace of West Japan works’ Fukuyama area in May 2011 to maximize utilization of expanded No.3 blast furnace at the area and adjust the production.

Sumitomo Metal Industries’ output decreased by 1.4% to 12.72 million tonnes in fiscal 2011 from fiscal 2010. The major quake damaged Kashima works resumed production earlier but the slower demand impacted the output. Kobe Steel’s output decreased by 5.7% to 7.17 million tonnes and Nisshin Steel’s output decreased by 2.2% to 3.74 million tonnes.