Japan Hot Rolled Special Steel Output to Rise by 4.7% in April-June

Japanese production of hot rolled special steel products will increase by 4.7% to 2.735 million tonnes in April-June from January-March while decrease by 51.4% from same period of 2008, according to estimate by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The output largely dropped in January-March.

Japanese automobile output is expected to recover in May because the inventory adjustment of automobile would finish in April-June, but the demand for other industries keeps low. The inventory adjustments have variable for steel maker, dealer, processor and users. Ministry indicates makers have to output carefully.

Special steel output of 7 grades such as high tensile special steel will increase for domestic market in April-June from January-March. Stainless steel output will increase when the inventory adjustment is progressing and nickel price became to keep flat.