Firm Stainless Bar Price in Tokyo

Market price of stainless steel bar is increasing at 440,000-450,000 yen per tonne for SUS304 grade, 690,000-700,000 yen for SUS316 and 280,000 yen for SUS403 around Tokyo. The price is likely to keep firm when distributors try to pass higher cost price on the reselling price.The demand is firm compared with same period of 2005. However, the distributors’ shipment is slower than the demand for contract users. An official of distributor said the shipment is up and down at slower level. The inventory adjustment finished and the demand improves when the market price increases under higher nickel price. The makers operate at full capacity to meet higher demand mainly for contact users while the supply for distributors tend to delay. The supply condition keeps the supply balance in the distributors’ market. Nickel price at London Metal Exchange increased again and was US$ 9.4 per pound on Thursday. A maker source said the volatile nickel price is potential risk.