Rebar Output Downs by 5% in Tokyo in 2007

Concrete reinforcing steel bar output decreased by around 5% to around 3.7 million tonnes around Tokyo in 2007 from 2006. The output decreased by around 10% to 900,000 tonnes in October-December from same period of 2006 due to very slow building activity. With limited order from general contractor, the demand could drop for January-March more. Local rebar makers could reduce the output more in the period. The output reached around 3.9 million tonnes in 2006, which was highest level since bubble economy. The output was more than that in first half of 2007 but the building activity dropped widely in the second half. Local rebar makers still keep more than 3 months order backlog. However, the slow demand could reduce their output more in January-March. The output was 300,000 tonnes in December, which was 3% lower than November and 20% lower than a year earlier while the shipment was 270,000 tonnes, which was 10% lower than November and 20% lower than a year earlier.