Plate Market Price Gradually Declines, Tokyo

Plate market price is gradually decreasing at 120,000 yen per tonne for the size with 19 millimeters thick, 5 feet width and 10 feet length and 140,000 yen per tonne for cut processed materials at dealers’ sites around Tokyo. Many dealers are offering lower reselling price to adjust inventory. Dealers’ inventory is increasing with sluggish sales.

The demand for cut processed plate is low from building material, construction machinery and industrial machinery. Dealers’ sales volume decreased by 56.5% in January form a year earlier, according to dealers’ association around Tokyo. Their contract volume is low in February, too. Some shearing processors are forced to reduce operation by 80% for building materials when new orders are few. Dealers’ contract volume is expected to decrease even more after April.

Dealers’ inventory is increasing largely. Dealers are received high-price products at over 110,000 yen per tonne from plate makers. Dealers are likely to lower reselling price with strong price cut request mainly from machinery makers.