H-Beam Price Jumps in Osaka

H-beam market price increased by 2,000 yen per tonne at dealers’ site without freight around Osaka, which achieved to 85,000 yen per tonne since 1980. The price is expected to more rise. Dealers are starting increasing the selling price when makers are expected to raise the selling price due to increased ferrous scrap or sib material cost.Speculative demand was generated in the middle of January 2008 when users ordered early for makers’ price hike. However, dealers’ orders were settled. Dealer source said the order from users is less due to the influence by the revision of Japanese building standard law and dealers can’t expect demand recovery.The supply and demand was tight due to the reduction of makers’ production or of dealers’ order. Moreover, the inventory is reducing considerably due to speculation demand. Dealer source said dealers must pass increasing purchase price on the selling price and must aim to increase the selling price to over 88,000 yen per tonne.