Japan Raw Steel Output Rises by 8.2% in May

Japanese raw steel output increased by 8.2% to 9.727 million tonnes in May from April, which increased for the first time in 2 months, announced by Japan Iron and Steel Federation on Friday. The daily output increased by 4.7% to 313,800 tonnes. The monthly production was 50.2% higher than a year earlier, which increased for 7 months in a row.

The converter steel output increased by 7.4% to 7.514 million tonnes in May from April, which increased for the first time in 2 months. The electric furnace steel output increased by 11.2% to 2.214 million tonnes, which increased for 4 months in a row. The carbon steel output increased by 8.0% to 7.577 million tonnes and the special steel output increased by 8.9% to 2.15 million tonnes, both of which increased for the first time in 2 months.

The output of hot rolled steel products increased by 7.7% to 8.473 million tonnes in May from April, which increased for the first time in 2 months. The carbon steel output increased by 5.9% to 6.765 million tonnes and the special steel output increased by 5.9% to 1.708 million tonnes, both of which increased for the first time in 2 months.

Japanese major 5 steel makers’ raw steel output increased by 7.2% to 7.479 million tonnes in May from April. The production reached highest level after Lehman shock. The production was supported by firm export and domestic demand of automobile, appliances and machinery.