Japan 5 Integrated Steels’ Raw Steel Output to Return to 95% of Peak

Japanese 5 integrated steel makers’ raw steel output decreased by 1.7% to 6.88 million tonnes in November from a year earlier. The output decreased by 6.2% from October. The output was 78.4 million tonnes in January-November, which was 28.7% higher than the level in same period of 2009. The full year output would reach around 85 million tonnes, which is about 95% of peak in 2007.

The output of Nippon Steel decreased by 3.2% to 2.695 million tonnes in November from a year earlier while JFE Steel’s output increased by 2.5% to 2.357 million tonnes. Sumitomo Metal Industries’ output decreased by 11.9% to 889,000 tonnes due to trouble at blast furnace of Kashima steel works. Kobe Steel’s output increased by 2.7% to 655,000 tonnes and Nisshin Steel’s output increased by 6.8% to 284,000 tonnes. The output of all 5 makers declined in November from October due to fewer operation days.

The 5 steels’ pig iron output increased by 0.8% to 6.712 million tonnes in November from a year earlier. The output decreased by 6.0% from October. The output increased by 25.6% to 75.46 million tonnes in January-November from same period of 2009.