Japan Plate Export Increases for South Korean Shipbuilders

Japanese plate export is firm for South Koran Shipbuilders, construction machine makers and energy industry. The export is continuing to increase since July from a year earlier. On the other hand, domestic demand keeps low. Some Japanese integrated steel makers’ plate mills keep nearly full production.

Japanese plate export increased to 958,512 tonnes by 12.5% for July-September from the same period of last year, according to Ministry of Finance. The export increased to 351,389 tonnes by 19.9% in October from a year earlier, which is expected to increase for October-December from July-September.

South Korean Shipbuilders were experienced cancel of an order or low order since last autumn, but have backlog of orders for 1-2 years. South Korean plate makers are increasing the output, but they can’t produce high quality plate yet. South Korean Shipbuilders are likely to purchase Japanese high quality plate with constant quantity.

The plate export is increasing for construction machine. The demand is rebounding for construction machine in China or India which the countries are developing an infrastructure. Overseas construction machine makers purchase high quality plate from Japan. Moreover, the demand for UO pipe is increasing for energy industry.