Japan Stainless Steel Export Declines by 2.9% in Fiscal 2009

Japanese stainless steel export increased by 14.2% to 102,280 tonnes in March from February, which became more than 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 3 months, according to Japan Stainless Steel Association. The export increased especially for flat steel products, which increased by 13.4%, due to firm demand in Asia.

The export decreased by 2.9% to 1.137 million tonnes in fiscal 2009 ended March 2010 from fiscal 2008. The export was less than 80,000 tonnes per month in 7 months through May 2009 when the overseas demand plunged after the financial crisis. The demand has increased after May 2009. However, the export remained low compared with the level in summer of 2008. The export decreased especially for flat and pipe products. The export of stainless products, however, increased by 31.4% in second half of fiscal 2009 from same period of fiscal 2008.

The export increased by 3.3% to 866,987 tonnes for sheet in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008 while the export decreased by 1.9% to 120,795 tonnes for bar and by 28.5% to 149,366 tonnes for pipe.