JFE Group Steel Output to Increase by 16% in Fiscal 2010

JFE Steel expects the group’s raw steel output will increase by 16% to around 32.8 million tonnes for fiscal 2010 started April from fiscal 2009. JFE Steel increases the output by 16% to 30 million tonnes while the four electric furnace steel subsidiaries’ output increases by 11% to 2.8 million tonnes.

Despite the gradual recovery in the economy, the domestic steel demand is estimated to remain at low level while the demand would increase in Asia. The domestic steel demand for construction would slightly increase. However, the shipment stays at low level due to the reduction in the budget for public works.

Japanese automobile production is estimated to increase by around 3% to around 9.2 million units for fiscal 2010 from fiscal 2009. However, the plate demand would decrease by 6.3% to around 4.4 million tonnes for shipbuilding when the shipbuilders’ order receipt decreases.

JFE Groups’ raw steel output peaked at 34.27 million tonnes in fiscal 2007 and JFE Steel’s output was 30.52 million tonnes. The group’s output was 29.28 million tonnes in fiscal 2008 and decreased to 28.35 million tonnes in fiscal 2009. JFE Steel’s output was 26.55 million tonnes in fiscal 2008 and 25.83 million tonnes in fiscal 2009. JFE group plans to increase the output to 37 million tonnes over the medium term.