Japan Small Bar Output Rises by 1% in 2007

Japanese small steel bar output decreased by 1% to 11.97 million tonnes in 2007 from 2006. Kyoei Steel increased the output by 90,000 tonnes to 1.45 million tonnes expanding the share by 0.9 points to 12.2%. The top maker is expected to decrease the output and share in 2008 due to output reduction at Nagoya and Hirakata plants. The second largest maker of Daiwa Steel increased the output by 110,000 tonnes to 1.03 million tonnes in 2007 from 2006 increasing the share by 1 point to 8.7%. The third maker of Tokyo Tekko kept the 5.9% share when the firm increased the output by 30,000 tonnes to 710,000 tonnes. Kishiwada Steel advanced to the no.4 position in 2007 from no.6 in 2006 increasing the share by 0.5 points to 4.7%. Nippon Steel group was 20.4% share in 2007. The group includes Osaka Steel, Shin-Hokkai Steel, Godo Steel, Topy Industries and other electric furnace steel makers. JFE Steel group’s share was 15.9% and Sumitomo Metal Industries’ group makers have 15.1%. The industry’s consolidation increased the top 10 markers’ share to 53% in 2007. The consolidation is expected to keep concentrate the production in fewer companies.