Japan Integrated Steels Get Higher EG Export Price

Japanese integrated steel makers’ electrogalvanized steel export price increased by US$ 30-50 to around FOB US$ 800 per tonne for spot users and dealers for March shipment from February.

The price increased when supply balance improved in Asia. The makers reduced the export volume due to severe profitability while electronics makers are increasing operation rate in southern part of China and Southeast Asia under recovery from the impact of Thai flood. The users show sign of higher purchase volume under strong hot rolled coil market price.

Japanese steel makers try to increase the export price to more than FOB US$ 850 per tonne for April-June in line with the demand. However, the price increase could slow under financial crisis in Europe, capacity expansion in China and South Korea along with weak Chinese market price.