Japan H-Beam Makers Compete with China for Asian Export

Japanese H-beam makers are increasing the export to South Korea in competition with Chinese H-beam makers. Japanese H-beam export to South Korea was 98,184 tonnes in fiscal 2008 (April 2008-Marcdh 2009). The export was averagely 15,000 tonnes per month for April-October 2009, which kept higher level than 2008. Chinese H-beam export to South Korea was approximately 493,000 tonnes in fiscal 2008. South Korea accounts for 50% in Chinese total H-beam export.

Japanese H-beam export to China was 5,565 tonnes in fiscal 2008 while Chinese H-beam export to Japan was 59,060 tonnes. Mutual influences are very limited. However, in South Korean H-beam import market, Japan and China currently represent strong positions.

Japanese H-beam export price to South Korea surged to near CIF US$ 650 per tonne in August 2009 to follow upsurge of Chinese market price. The export price lowered to around US$ 600 for August-October when Chinese market price turned downward. Japanese H-beam price fluctuates along Chinese market price.

Chinese H-beam export price to South Korea decreased by US$ 20 to US$ 560 for December contracts compared with October contracts.

Japanese H-beam makers aim to raise the selling price to South Korea. Nippon Steel acquired South Korean standard to enhance H-beam export. Japanese makers would also increase the export to Southeast Asia or Australia when domestic market is shrinking.