Architectural Steel Sheet Market Price May Rebound in Japan

Japanese steel makers and distributors are seeking to improve the market price level for architectural steel sheets. In Tokyo and surrounding regions, makers and distributors aim to make the market price rebound in the second half of fiscal 2009 (Oct09-Mar10). Both makers and dealers recognize the market price has lowered too much since 2008. Meanwhile, the market price maintains weak in Osaka and neighboring areas, though the market players around Osaka also aim to eliminate unprofitable prices.

Around Tokyo, distributors’ sales volume of architectural steel sheet is currently less by 30-40% than a year earlier. Meanwhile, their inventories are low due to makers’ output and delivery reductions.

Demand and price are especially low for thick galvalume steel sheet, which may impact balanced market of colored steel sheet, according to several steel makers and distributors. The market price is around 210,000 yen per tonne for colored coil with 0.35 millimeters of thickness and 914 mm of width.

In Osaka and surrounding areas, architectural steel sheet market is even weaker than in Tokyo. Makers and distributors would move to raise the bottom price since material sheet price is currently surging in domestic and offshore markets. However, seasonal demand in autumn is unexpected for this fiscal year. The market price may keep flat in weak mood.

The market price is around 219,000 yen per tonne for large coil with 0.35 mm of thickness and 914 mm of width in Osaka, which has lowered by about 30,000 yen within this year.