Japan Carbon Steel Inventory Decreases in February

Japanese carbon steel inventory decreased by 47,000 tonnes to 5.13 million tonnes at the end of February from a month ago, according to Japan Iron & Steel Federation. The inventory decreased for the first time in 3 months. The inventory for export increased by 97,000 tonnes to 1.413 million tonnes, up for 2 consecutive months. The inventory is likely to increase at the end of March, mainly for domestic manufacturing industry, since many automobile and electric appliance makers suspended their plants after Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake.

Inventory held by steel makers and dealers increased by 50,000 tonnes to 6.543 million tonnes, which increased for 3 consecutive months. Makers’ inventory increased by 128,000 tonnes to 5.374 million tonnes, up for 3 straight months, while dealers’ inventory decreased by 78,000 tonnes to 1.17 million tonnes, first down in 2 months.

By items, inventory increased by over 10,000 tonnes for steel sheet, small bar and small-middle size shaped steel, while decreased by over 10,000 tonnes for tin plate and cold rolled wide strip.

Inventory rate upped by 3.9 points to 107% of shipment. The rate exceeded 100% for 3 months in a row. Inventory rate upped by 1.8 points to 132.4% for domestic market.