Strong Ni Series Stainless Steel Bar Price in Tokyo

Nickel series stainless steel bar market price is increasing from 620,000-640,000 yen per tonne for SUS 304 around Tokyo. The demand is strong and the inventory stays at low level. The dealers increase the reselling price to pass the higher purchase cost.

The dealer’ stainless steel bars and shapes shipment increased by 5.5% to 16,422 tonnes in April from March, according to All Japan Stainless Steel Distributors Association. The nickel series bar shipment increased by 5.2% to 7,090 tonnes, which represented the highest level since the start of the survey in January 2009.

The bar is most strong item among stainless steel, said dealer sources. The shipment is firm to semiconductor, construction machinery and general machine. The price would increase more.

Japanese stainless steel sheet inventory including nickel series, chrome series and manganese series stainless increased by 5.4% to 88,727 tonnes in April from March, which increased for the first time in 3 months, according to Japan Stainless Steel Coil Center Association. The shipment decreased by 3.9% to 58,311 tonnes and the inventory rate was 1.52 months.

The nickel series cold rolled sheet inventory increased by 5.1% to 44,440 tonnes in April from March while the shipment decreased by 2.3% to 30,873 tonnes. However, the shipment kept more than 30,000 tonnes, the volume of which is regarded as sign for strong demand condition.

The chrome series cold rolled sheet inventory increased by 4.4% to 39,573 tonnes in April from March while the shipment decreased by 5.3% to 24,065 tonnes.