Japan Small Dealers Show Anxiety for Weak Demand

Japanese small steel dealer sources said dealers’ market for dealers is more shrinking in September though dealers’ sales volume hit the record low in August. Japanese steel dealers are anticipating unconventional weak demand. Many small dealers showed anxiety after regular conference of Japanese makers and dealers meeting. Sadao Ono, JFE Steel’s executive director, said Japanese steel industry must brace for adjustment phase due to financial confusion from USA. Mr. Ono said makers, large dealers and small dealers have to adjust the supply and demand. Mr. Ono said when Chinese steel production may make impact in the supply and demand when large size steel plant starts the operation in succession in China, and Japanese steel industry should pay attention steel import more than ever. Mr. Ono said JFE Steel will decide selling price with the supply and demand, economic performance, international price or production cost in mind.