Japanese Steel Makers to Reduce Sheet Inventory

Japanese integrated steel makers will carefully accept an order of steel sheet for July-September. Steel sheet inventory is increasing in the market when the demand for machinery or building construction is decreasing compared with last year though the demand for manufacturing industry such as automobile or appliance keeps good. The makers are strict in identify for content of an order. Maker source said they offer detailed check for large dealers. Market inventory for hot, cold and coated sheet increased to total 4.19 million tonnes in Japan at the end of May and increased for 3 months. Maker source pointed out that the inventory increased due to less operating days at the users than steel makers in May with long holidays and that the users tend to offer more orders than actual demand even though the sales for building, automobile and machinery are decreasing compared with last year. Steel makers are cautious for increasing market inventory and decreasing market price. Moreover, they are concerned about the weak tone of Chinese or Europe market price or steel sheet import for hot, cold and coated steel sheet which increased by 18.4% in January-May compared with the same period of last year. Already, Nippon Steel reduced production plan or other makers are thinking to increase export.