Japan Fe Scrap Consumption Drops by 47.8% for Jan- Jun

Japanese ferrous scrap consumption decreased by 47.8% to 14.698 million tonnes including converter, electric furnace and casting operations for January-June from the same period of last year. Domestic steel makers reduced the output since last autumn due to dropped steel demand, according to Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry.

The converters’ consumption decreased by 51.1% to 3.532 million tonnes for January-June from the same period of last year. The electric furnaces’ consumption decreased by 45.8% to 8.998 million tonnes. The castings’ consumption decreased by 46.6% to 1.868 million tonnes.

Ferrous scrap supply decreased by 48.0% to 14.496 million tonnes for January-June from the same period of last year. The supply from domestic market decreased by 52.2% to 9.486 million tonnes. The supply from steel plants decreased by 37.4% to 5.011 million tonnes.

Demand for ferrous scrap dropped largely for January-June when steel makers reduced the output. Meanwhile, ferrous scrap supply kept low level when manufacturing industries such as automobile or electric appliance reduced the operation rate. Ferrous scrap export was intensely active. Consequently, ferrous scrap supply and demand balance maintained tight.