Japanese Imported Steel Inventory Increases by 4.6% in May

Japanese quay inventory of imported steel products increased by 7,000 tonnes (4.6%) to 156,000 tonnes at Tokyo and Osaka bay at the end of May from a month ago, according to Hanwa Corporation. By year-to-year comparison, the inventory increased by 36,000 tonnes (30%). The inventory exceeded 150,000 tonnes for the first time since June 2009. The inventory seems to have increased when domestic steel trade was weak due to economic slump after the mega earthquake.

The inventory was 87,000 tonnes at Osaka Bay, increasing by 6,000 tonnes (7.4%) month-to-month. By items, the inventory increased by 2,000 tonnes (33.3%) to 8,000 tonnes for plate, increased by 8,000 tonnes (17.7%) to 53,000 tonnes for cold rolled coil while decreased by 4,000 tonnes (13.3%) to 26,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil.

At Tokyo Bay, the total inventory increased by 1,000 tonnes (1.4%) to 69,000 tonnes. By items, the inventory kept flat at 9,000 tonnes for plate, decreased by 1,000 tonnes (2.4%) to 40,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil while increased by 2,000 tonnes (11.1%) to 20,000 tonnes for cold rolled coil.