Weak Plate Price in Tokyo

Plate steel market price is decreasing from 87,000 yen per tonne for standard sized product with 19 millimeters thick, 5 feet width and 10 feet length and 95,000-100,000 yen for cut processed material around Tokyo. The price is unlikely to bottom out while the demand in construction is unforeseeable.

Small and medium-sized construction building starts stay at low level. Some dealers’ order receipt decreased in October and November compared with the previous month. The increase in inquiries is lower than expected in April-October. One dealer source forecasts the inquiries would not increase within the year.

Cut processed material shipment begins to recover for construction machinery. However, the demand would remain low.

Tokyo Steel Manufacturing decreases plate price by 2,000 yen to 63,000 yen per tonne for December order. The market price would decrease while the users expect price cut.