Japan Stainless Scrap Market Price Maintains Uptrend

Japanese stainless scrap market price maintains upward trend for SUS 304 series since December 2010, following nickel price upsurge at London Metal Exchange (LME). Scrap exporters have raised purchase price for SUS304 during January since scrap generation keep low in domestic market. Scrap suppliers for domestic stainless mills are also raising the purchase price.

LME nickel price represented average US$ 11.6 per pound in January and hit US$ 12 on January 31st. Japanese scrap dealer told stainless scrap market price is rising in South Korea and China and then Japanese exporters may raise the purchase price more.

On the other hand, another dealer source points out scrap demand from domestic mills is unlikely to increase largely due to weak demand recovery for stainless steel products. The dealer says some Japanese stainless steel makers may widen output cut range in and after February though scrap supply keeps tight due to low generation.