Nippon Steel’s Kimitsu Iron Works Increases Export Ratio to 50%

Export rate is reaching 50% at Nippon Steel’s Kimitsu iron works from previous 35% when steel demand is expanding in emerging countries while domestic demand maintains weak for building materials. The works’ raw steel production is recovering to above 10 million tonnes per year, as high as the peak level in April-September 2008, though the works had reduced the output widely after global financial crisis. The plate mill is presently in full operation at approximately 160,000 tonnes per month. Operating rate has also improved at the hot rolling mill and the shaped steel mill.