Strong Plate Price in Tokyo

Plate steel market price is increasing to 107,000 yen per tonne for base size with 19 millimeters thick, 5 feet width and 10 feet length around Tokyo. Standard size plate inventory became short. Dealers’ reselling price reached 110,000 yen per tonne for some small-lot orders. Dealers’ inventory volume decreased by 32.5% to 4,913 tonnes in February from January around Tokyo, according to dealers’ association. Dealers’ delivery lead time is extending to around 90 days from usual 60-70 days.The market price has surged by 5,000 yen to 120,000 yen per tonne for cut plate since last week and still keeps uptrend. The market price is around 106,000-107,000 yen per tonne for untrimmed plate.Shearing processor source said they aim reselling price at above 130,000 yen including process charge and yield. Dealers seem to reduce anticipated plate procurement since the market price continued upsurge. Dealers’ shipment is slow when demand is decreasing from small- and mid-size building construction.