Strong H-Beam Price in Tokyo

H-beam market price is firm at 79,000-80,000 yen per tonne for 200 by 100 millimeters width around Tokyo when the dealers try to pass higher cost price after the makers’ hikes. The price is likely to reach 80,000 yen level under tight supply. The dealers offer more than 80,000 yen per tonne in the month. They try to increase the reselling price 2,000-3,000 yen more in the month after Nippon Steel and Tokyo Steel Manufacturing increased the price by 3,000 yen. The dealers expect the makers could increase the price 2,000-3,000 yen more to cover higher cost for materials and freight in the year. The dealers’ inventory decreased by 9.3% to 55,800 tonnes around Tokyo at end of July from June, according to Tokiwakai, which is group of dealers of Nippon Steel’s products. The inventory rate was 1.9 months of the shipment, which was less than 2 months for the first time since November 2006. The stock is expected to decrease more due to output reduction by the makers.