Japan Electrode Shipment Increases by 45% for January-June

Japanese electrode shipping for domestic electric furnace makers increased by 45% to 23,265 tonnes for January-June 2010 from the corresponding of last year, according to Japan Carbon Association. Because crude steel output increased by electric furnace, the shipping increased. Especially, the shipping for export increased by 60% to 51,548 tonnes. The export ratio was record high at 69%, which was higher than 63% for January-June 2008.

Japanese electrode output for electric furnace increased by 58% to 75,045 tonnes for January-June 2010 from the corresponding of last year. The output recovered to over 80% from January-June 2008 when each electrode maker eased up on the reduction of output thanks to recovered demand after financial crisis.

The association forecasts the demand for electrode increases for July-December 2010 when domestic steel demand is increasing and Asian steel makers are expanding output. The association pointed out electrode makers should mark the demand when there are risks for European economy, Chinese excess production or higher yen rate.