Japan Import Flat Steel Stock Marks First Rise in 2 months

Japanese imported flat steel inventory at quay in Tokyo and Osaka increased by 2% or 5,000 tonnes to 246,000 tonnes at end of December from a previous month, which represents first increase since October, announced by Hanwa Co. on Thursday. Hanwa sees the slow demand caused the inventory increase in Tokyo despite of small import volume.

The inventory in Osaka decreased by 2.6% or 3,000 tonnes to 109,000 tonnes at end December from a month ago. The stock increased by 8.3% or 1,000 tonnes to 13,000 tonnes for plate while the stock decreased by 5.2% or 2,000 tonnes to 36,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil and decreased by 3.2% or 2,000 tonnes to 60,000 tonnes for cold coil.

The stock in Tokyo increased by 6.2% or 8,000 tonnes to 137,000 tonnes at end December from November. The stock is flat at 12,000 tonnes for plate while the stock increased by 6.2% or 5,000 tonnes to 85,000 tonnes for hot coil and by 8.1% or 3,000 tonnes to 40,000 tonnes for cold coil.