Japan H-beam Export Price Increases by US$ 20-30 for April-May

Japanese H-beam export price increased by US$ 20-30 to near CIF US$ 800 for April-May shipment for eastern Asia compared with the level at the beginning of the year. Japanese makers increased the price to reflect better yen exchange rate and higher ferrous scrap cost. Japanese makers target US$ 800 as the next step when the offshore makers increased the offer price.

Offshore makers increased H-beam export price by around US$ 30 per tonne to reflect higher production cost. Offshore construction demand slows but Japanese makers get more order when they can compete with offshore rivals under better yen rate.

Japanese H-beam export increased by 46.4% to 34,893 tonnes in February from January while the price was around FOB 60,000 yen per tonne as a month earlier, according to Ministry of Finance. The export volume and price will increase in coming months to reflect the market trend.