Japan H-beam Makers Try to Raise Export Price to US$ 900/t

Japanese H-beam makers aim to raise export contact price to FOB US$ 900 per tonne within March, according to Japanese integrated steel maker source. Recently export price levels off when overseas market price maintains flat. However, overseas H-beam makers are raising offer price when raw material prices are expected to rises in and after April.

Overseas H-beam market price rose by US$ 40-50 per tonne after Chinese New Year holidays in early February to reflect high raw material prices. However, offshore market turned into wait-and-see mood recently and Japanese H-beam makers are facing difficulty to contract new export contracts.

H-beam demand is firm for infrastructure construction in Southeast Asia. Overseas H-beam market price has possibilities to rise if users restart material procurement. South Korean H-beam makers are also offering export price hike. H-beam makers are emphasizing higher cost cover by price hike.