Maruichi Steel Tube Keeps Top ERW Share in 1H of F2005

Japanese production of electric resistance welded tube decreased by 0.9% to 1.81 million tonnes in the first half of fiscal 2005 from same period of 2004. The top 8 makers kept the positions with some changes including 0.7 percentage points up for the top maker of Maruichi Steel Tube from same period of 2004. Maruichi Steel Tube had increased the output by 3.5 % in the first half from the same period in 2004 increasing the top share by 0.7 points. The no.2 of JFE steel decreased the production by 4.2 % reducing the share by 0.4 points. Nippon Steel increased the production by 4.7% increasing the share by 0.6 points. The no.4 maker of Nippon Steel Metal Products increased the production by 2.4% in the first half from same period of 2004 increasing the share by 0.3 points. The no.5 of Sumitomo Pipe & Tube increased the production by 3.5% increasing the share by 0.4 points. The no.6 of Nittetsu Steel Pipe decreased the production by 1.5% keeping the share. The no.7 of JFE Welded Pipe Manufacturing decreased the production by 8.2% reducing the share by 0.3 points. The no. 8 of Nisshin Kokan decreased the production by 1% keeping the share.