Weak Plate Price in Tokyo

Steel plate price is weak at around 87,000 yen per tonne for standard size with 19 millimeters thick, 5 feet width and 10 feet length and 95,000-100,000 yen for cut processed material around Tokyo. The dealers’ shipment for construction and other fields remains low. The inquiries stay at low level and market sources see the price would continue to decline.

Despite slight increase in shipment in late 2009, the dealers’ sales volume is less than 50% compared with first half of 2008. Private investment in construction remains low while the decrease in public investment is concerned. One shearing processor source sees the users hold off the purchase expecting price cut.

Steel-frame fabricators request price reduction for dealers. The dealers aim to keep the current price while the order receipt stays at low level. The price could decline more.