Rebar Output Rises by 7% around Tokyo in May

Concrete reinforcing steel bar output increased to approximately 330,000 tonnes around Tokyo in May, up by 7% from a month ago and as flat as a year earlier, when local rebar makers increased their production before the seasonal intermission of furnace operation in summer. Their shipments are slightly decreasing now before the revision of Japanese building standards low, while the demand seems recovering in June. Local rebar makers will continue production and sales adjusted with the market demand condition.The rebar shipment increased to about 320,000 tonnes around Tokyo in May, up by 3% from a month ago and as flat as a year ago. The shipment was relatively slow from the makers and processors because general contractors are putting off their orders. However, local rebar makers hold many order backlogs.The rebar inventory around Tokyo was 200,000 tonnes at the end of May, up by 7% from last month and by 20% from a year ago. Local rebar makers and dealers increased their inventories to prepare for the seasonal furnace intermission in summer. After summer, big building projects are expected to be ordered. Major electric furnace maker’s senior executive source said there is no anxious for the demand since the shipment is recovering in June.