Japan H-Beam Import Jumps by 58% in April

Japanese H-beam import increased by 58.0% to 9,044 tonnes in April from a year earlier, according to Ministry of Finance. The import expanded due to the cheaper price than domestic makers when the import unit value was averaged 54,500 yen per tonne. The import could decrease when the price gap is narrower than before due to price cut by domestic makers.

The H-beam export decreased by 85.1% to 4,538 tonnes in April from a year earlier due to slower offshore demand and higher yen rate. Japanese H-beam was much higher than international price level in US dollar. The export, however, could increase when offshore demand recovers and distributors regain appetite under improving market condition.

The export unit value decreased by 14.2% to 71,400 yen per tonne in April from a year earlier. The import unit value decreased by 26.2% to 54,500 yen.