Japan Ferrous Scrap Price Hits First 30,000 yen/t in 10 Months

Japanese ferrous scrap market price increased to 30,000 yen per tonne for H2 grade for the first time in 10 months. The domestic integrated steel makers restarted the purchase and offshore buyers in China and South Korea increased the purchase of Japanese scrap under very slow scrap generation. The price could increase more when steel makers at home and abroad try to secure the material under tight supply.

Japanese scrap export price reached FOB 30,000 yen per tonne for H2 for East Asian buyers. The export price to China is much higher than domestic market price. The higher export price reduces the shipment for domestic electric furnace steel makers.

Electric furnace steel makers pay 28,500-30,000 yen per tonne for H2 grade around Tokyo, which is 2,000-2,500 yen higher than previous week. Tokyo Steel Manufacturing increased the purchase price again and again and other makers followed the move.

Electric furnace steel makers around Osaka also increased the purchase price to 28,000-30,000 yen per tonne for H2 grade. The makers try to secure the material with expectation for higher price despite of their lower production plan than usual summer.