Japan’s Steel Export Destination Changes Before and After the Coronavirus Pandemic

Japan’s steel export destinations have changed dramatically in recent years.
While exports to India, which continues to enjoy high economic growth, North America, which maintains a strong economy, and Europe, where steel prices remain high, are on the rise, exports to China, in particular, have declined significantly. Blast furnace steel manufatures, which have been reducing production capacity to meet domestic demand, are adjusting destinations while curbing exports in response to overseas economies, profitability, and the trend toward domestic steel production. While overseas markets are essential for business growth, blast furnace companies are firmly focused on profitability, and are likely to strengthen their overseas bases and export more effectively to capture these markets.