Nippon Steel Maintains Sheet Pile Top Share in F2009

Nippon steel kept top output share in Japanese sheet pile market in fiscal 2009 ended in March 2010. The share upped by 6.2 points year-on-year and the output increased by 18% to 320,000 tonnes. Sumikin Steel’s share rose by 2 points and the output increased by 10% to 180,000 tonnes. JFE Steel’ share position downed to third, lowering by 7.6 points, and the output decreased by 22% to above 170,000 tonnes. Yamato Steel’s share was forth. Tokyo Steel’s output was zero.

Japanese sheet pile production increased by 2% to 700,000 tonnes in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008, which was 870,000 tonnes in fiscal 2007 and 690,000 tonnes in fiscal 2008. The production stayed at 40,000-50,000 tonnes per month in the first half of fiscal 2009 while recovered to 70,000-80,000 tonnes per month in the second half year. The output for export accounted for 270,000-280,000 tonnes mainly to emerging countries for infrastructure constructions. Steel pile export is expected to maintain favorable and Japanese sheet pile makers tend to follow offshore demand.

Recent monthly production increased by 14% to 40,000 tonnes in April 2010 from a year earlier and represented year-on-year flat at 50,000 tonnes in May. Domestic demand is forecasted to shrink by 20% to 300,000 tonnes for fiscal 2010, according to several makers. Meanwhile, the export has recovered to above 30,000 tonnes in June from 10,000-20,000 tonnes in April and 20,000-30,000 tonnes in May.