Japan Steel Export Hits 2nd High in 1H

Japanese steel export increased by 8.5% to 19.805 million tonnes in April-September 2008 compared with same period of 2007, which hit the second high as half year after 19.819 million tonnes in October 2007-March 2008, announced by Ministry of Finance on Thursday. The shipment to Asia increased by 10.2% to 16.69 million tonnes.

The export value increased by 18.3% to 2.417 trillion yen in the first half year from same period of 2007 when the value increased for all arias without for Middle East. Japanese export to all Asian countries and regions rise at a double-digit pace.

Japanese import volume decreased by 3.9% to 4.075 million tonnes in Apr-Sep from same period of 2007 while the value increased by 26.2% to 654.855 billion yen. The import value from Asia increased by 30.2% to 426.28 billion yen.