Weak Steel Sheet Price in Tokyo

Steel sheet market price is flat at around 105,000-106,000 yen per tonne for hot rolled flat steel at dealers’ sites around Tokyo. The price is 108,000-110,000 yen for pickling steel and 112,000-115,000 yen for cold rolled flat steel.

Steel sheet market price increased from January, which more increased due to rising iron ore and coal price in February-April. The price is likely to keep the level despite of the pressure from supply side.

Japanese integrated steel makers raised steel sheet selling price by 20,000 yen per tonne in the shipment for April, by 10,000 yen in the shipment for July. The supply and demand is tight when the demand for manufacturing industry is strong for such as automobile, electric manufacturer or machine tool. But, the market price became slow down after long vacation in the first half of May. Building construction decreased around Tokyo. Automobile sales are slow in Europe and USA. Dealers are chariness for the sales.

Coil center source said the demand for home electronics are reducing due to slower building construction. Some dealers’ sales price decreased. Dealers’ sales are expected to get more competitive.