Korean Steel Makers Buy More Japan Ferrous Scrap

South Korean steel makers increase Japanese ferrous scrap purchase volume recently when US scrap price increases. Hyundai Steel conducted import tender for Japanese scrap after Dongkuk Steel’s purchase in the week. The steel makers try to secure scrap when the domestic supply decreases due to expectation for higher price and the offshore scrap availability is limited under higher market price.

Japanese trader source said Hyundai Steel purchased Japanese H2 grade scrap at FOB 34,500 yen per tonne, which was in line with Dongkuk Steel’s purchase price in the week and 1,700 yen higher than previous week level. Hyundai Steel also purchases other grades at 35,500 yen for H1 and shredder scrap, 36,500 yen for HS grade and 37,000 yen for new cutting scrap.

Japanese scrap industry expects US scrap export offer would increase more for Turkey and East Asia. A scrap dealer said Japanese dealers also try to increase the export price under domestic price improvement and some dealers offer FOB around 36,000 yen per tonne for H2 grade.