Nippon Steel’s Tin Plate Output Increases by 10% in 2H of F2009

Nippon Steel expects its tin plate product output increases by 10% in the last half of fiscal 2009 (October 2009-March 2010) from the first half year. Nippon Steel’s plants are in full operation. Tin plate export was the record high level for July-September though domestic shipment was low.

The shipment condition is unclear for domestic market, which turned upward in February while grew stagnant in August-September. The shipment for beverage cans accounts for 50% of the all shipment, which was low in August.

Overseas users’ orders are based on actual demand after completion of inventory adjustment during the first half of fiscal 2009. Tin plate product export is increasing along active demand for cans in emerging countries with population growth such as Middle East. The export is expected to keep stable for a while.

The export price rises for October-December. Japanese integrated steel makers’ tin plate export price to Asia reached CIF $ 1,000 per tonne for October-December, up by $ 120-130 from July-September. The makers’ tin plate export rate is rising when the export volume increases and the shipment to domestic market is recovering such for automobiles.