Structural Steel Market Price in Uptrend, Tokyo

Structural steel market price is strong at around 119,000-120,000 yen per tonne for SC steel in Tokyo. Distributors started price hike announcement by 15,000 yen this month, willing to penetrate the hike by the end of July.

Demand for structural steels is recovering to 70-80% of the peak level thanks to the output upturn at construction machine and industrial machine makers. Steel makers raised the selling price of structural steels this spring. Distributors are preparing to reflect the cost price upsurge on the reselling price sooner.

Some of local distributors have already announced the price hike by 15,000 yen per tonne. One large dealer said they aim to make the hike approved fully in September-October though the price up range is wide.

Iron ore and coking coal prices are expected to continue upward for July-September. Japanese integrated steel makers examine additional price hike for SC steel. Wholesalers try to reflect the first price hike on the reselling price before steel makers launch the additional hike.