Coated Steel Sheet Price to Increase around Tokyo

Japanese coated steel sheet price is increasing around Tokyo. The market price is 86,000-88,000 yen per tonne for hot rolled based electrogalvanized sheet, 96,000-98,000 yen for cold rolled based electrogalvanized sheet and 87,000-89,000 yen for hot dip galvanized sheet.

The users increased the purchase volume when the steel raw material price is estimated to increase. However, the purchase volume seemed to return to the normal level until last week. The dealers are sure the steel sheet price would increase. However, the dealers are reluctant to increase the stock when the demand remains low.

Integrated steel makers are estimated to announce the sheet price hike for distributors as early as this week. The dealers try to pass the higher cost price to reselling price. However, the dealers are concerned about the price hike under the low demand.