Lower Angle, Channel Price in Tokyo

Market price of angle and channel steel is weak at around 88,000 yen for equal angle with 6 millimeters thick by 50 mm width and 93,000 yen for channel with 5 mm thick, 50 mm by 100 mm width around Tokyo. The market price followed Tokyo Steel Manufacturing’s price down for channel by 5,000 yen per tonne. Users are additionally requesting the price cut.

Dealers’ inventory is decreasing by 5% from last month. Dealers’ shipment volume is decreasing but acceptance volume decreased slightly. Some dealers completed inventory adjustment while some still hold excess inventory.

It is unclear when the market price hits the bottom because the purchase price of ferrous scrap by electric furnace steel makers is dropping. Users hold off procurement.

Steel makers keep output reduction by 50% from October-December. Their order receipts are low. It is focal point that makers such as Osaka Steel and JFE Bars & Shapes decrease the selling price or not following Tokyo Steel’s price cut.