Steel Sheet Price Keeps Strong in Tokyo

Steel sheet price is strong in Tokyo. The market price is 67,000-69,000 yen per tonne for hot-rolled steel sheet, 75,000-77,000 yen per tonne for pickled steel sheet and 81,000-82,000 yen per tonne for cold-rolled steel sheet.Steel sheet inventory decreased to 4.1 million tonnes at the end of April for hot-rolled, cold-rolled and galvanized products, which reduced for 3 consecutive months. Steel sheet import decreased to 195,000 in April. The inventory continues decreasing consequently and there is stock out in some sizes at dealers’ sites.Coil centers and dealers show strong selling stances when the inventory adjustment has advanced in the market and Tokyo Steel Manufacturing raised its selling price by 3,000 yen per tonne for June contracts following May contracts.The market price seems to increase when integrated steel makers are likely to raise their selling prices, while wholesalers’ market is shrinking under the advance of the purchase integration by large contract users.