Japan Import Flat Steel Inventory Rises for 2 Straight Months

Imported flat steel inventory increased by 8.9% to 146,000 tonnes at quay in Tokyo and Osaka at end of July from June, announced by Japanese major steel trading firm, Hanwa Co. on Monday. The stock increased for 2 months in a row due to higher arrivals and lower demand while the inventory was same level as a year earlier.

The inventory in Osaka increased by 18.5% to 83,000 tonnes in July from June. The stock doubled to 4,000 tonnes for plate. The stock also increased by 18.7% to 38,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil and by 13.8% to 41,000 tonnes for cold rolled coil.

The inventory in Tokyo decreased by 1.5% to 63,000 tonnes in July from June. The stock increased by 12.5% to 9,000 tonnes for plate and by 7.1% to 15,000 tonnes for cold rolled coil while the hot coil stock decreased by 7.1% to 39,000 tonnes.

The flat steel import and inventory would increase more after August due to the higher yen exchange rate, according to an importer source.