Rebar Makers Increase Production around Tokyo in Early May Holidays

Rebar makers in Tokyo area seem to increase production around Japanese long holidays in early May since they accepted the export orders of rebar and billet. They paused the operation for average 4-5 days during the holidays of last year but they will shorten the suspension for 2-3 days this year, except 13-day suspension of Daiwa Steel’ Tobu works. Other rebar makers plan to continue night operations. Meanwhile, the makers keep cautious productions when domestic demand maintains weak despite of speculative demand increase in January-March.

Godo Steel’s Funabashi works operates steel making at night while suspends a rolling mill for total 12 days in May. Tokyo Tekko’s Oyama works suspends operation for 5 days during the long holidays. Asahi Industries takes a pause for May 10-16th. JFE Bards & Shapes’ Kashima works will pause on April 28th and May 10-16th.

Rebar production increased by 11.4% to 731,037 tonnes in March from February. The production increased to 650,000 tonnes in February from 570,000 tonnes in January. However, domestic rebar shipment stays at the low level. Rebar market price reached 60,000 yen per tonne while ferrous scrap market price exceeded 40,000 yen per tonne.