Japan Special Steel Demand Increases by 3.3% in July-September

Japanese domestic demand for special steel hot rolled products is estimated at 1.868 million tonnes as a monthly average for July-September compared with April-June, increasing by 3.3% quarter-to-quarter and by 7.4% year-to-year, according to Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry. The demand keeps firm because domestic automobile or industrial machinery makers continue high outputs.The export will also increase for July-September from April-June when the demand for industrial or construction machinery is increasing from developing countries. The export will increase mainly for high-tensile strength steel sheet. Stainless steel export only will decrease.Japanese special steel hot rolled products demand will represent quarter-to-quarter increase for the first time since January-March while year-to-year increase for 4 consecutive quarters.Domestic demand is estimated at 1.3077 million tonnes for July-September, increasing by 0.9% quarter-to-quarter and by 2.6% year-to-year. The export is forecasted at 560,600 tonnes for July-September, increasing by 9.4% quarter-to-quarter and by 20.3% year-to-year.