Japan Stainless Export Decreases by 33% in November

Japanese stainless steel export include long, flat and pipe products decreased to 72,836 tonnes by 33.3% in November 2008 from October, according to Japan Stainless Steel Association. The export was lowest in 2008. The export is expected to decrease in December from the previous month due to Chinese New Year. The export in 2008 is likely to keep 1.3 million tonnes, which to exceed it in 2007 when was lowest within 5 years ago. There is high possible the export in 2009 become record low due to decreased demand in the world.

The export in November is expected to decrease due to dropped nickel price and stainless steel demand in the world. The export was 13,647 tonnes to China in November, 979 tonnes to Thailand and 7348 tonnes to Taiwan.

The export in December becomes slow in every year due to Chinese New Year in around February. A large dealer source said the export in December reduces due to Chinese New Year, slow demand and dropped nickel price, which is expected to decrease to about 50,000 tonnes by 50% compared with October.