Nippon Steel Increases Carbon Steel Wire Rod Share in F2009

Nippon Steel increased domestic output share of carbon steel wire rod in fiscal 2009．NS Bousen, Nippon Steel’s subsidiary, upped the share position to the second from the third in fiscal 2008 while Godo Steel turned to the third position. Tokyo Steel lowered the share. Japanese wire rod output decreased by 13.5% to 697,167 tonnes in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008.

Nippon Steel’s output volume increased by 0.6% to 303,577 tonnes in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008. NS Bousen’s output decreased by 15.9% to 123,118 tonnes. Godo Steel’s production almost halved to 88,174 tonnes.

Nippon Steel relegated carbon steel wire rod production to other group companies including Godo Steel in fiscal 2008 when Nippon Steel increased output of special steel wire rod. Consequently, Godo Steel’s output decreased in fiscal 2009.

JFE Bars & Shapes’ output increased by 16.9% to 49,211 tonnes and the share position was forth. Kobe Steel’s output increased by 10.7% to 47,076 tonnes. Sumitomo Metals Kokura’ output decreased by 3.7% to 44,169 tonnes. These 3 makers increased their shares. Tokyo Steel’s output decreased by 20.0% to 37,227 tonnes.