Weak Plate Price in Tokyo

Steel plate market price is decreasing from 87,000 yen per tonne for standard size and 95,000-100,000 yen for cut processed material around Tokyo. The shipment by dealers remains low while the inquiries are at the very low level. The price would decline more.

The demand in construction is at lower level due to the stagnation in mid-small size building construction and the delay in public works.

On the other hand, plate inventory adjustment by construction machinery makers progresses and cut processed material shipment recovers gradually. However, the demand decreases by 70-80% from April-October 2008. The shearing processors’ order receipt remains low.

Dealers have hole in stock for some sizes due to the lower purchase while extra thick plate inventory level is excess to the shipment.

The price would be weak under the stagnation in demand.