Shaped Steel Price is Strong around Tokyo

Shaped steel market price is becoming strong tone around Tokyo. H-beam market price increased to 63,000-64,000 yen per tonne by 1,000 yen in this week from last week around Tokyo. Angle and channel steel market price is rising from bottom level. Some dealers aim to more raise the selling price when Tokyo Steel is expected to raise the selling price in April order.

Dealers’ selling price is 65,000-66,000 yen per tonne for H-beam and 75000 yen for equal angle around Tokyo. Because dealers’ profit is continuing to be the red, dealers aim to need higher selling price. If dealers’ selling price increases to about 70,000 yen for H-beam, dealers can get the profit. Dealers will raise the selling price step by step.

Some dealers are expected to raise the selling price to 67,000-68,000 yen before Tokyo Steel’s price announcement in April order in this month.

On the other hand, the demand maintains low level. Dealers keep reduction of the order volume for H-beam, angle and channel to makers. The supply and demand is tight when makers reduces acceptance of order.

Especially, H-beam is short for the size with 100 millimeters width. Because many dealers reduced the order for January-February contract, most dealers’ inventory decreased. The inventory for angle and channel is decreasing.