Japan Import Flat Steel Stock Hits 1 Year Low

Japanese imported flat steel inventory at quay decreased by 11% to 125,000 tonnes in Tokyo and Osaka in February from January, which was the lowest level in a year, and showed first month-to-month decrease in 2 months, according to Hanwa Co., Japanese large steel trade firm. The inventory was 46% lower than a year earlier level.

The stock in Tokyo was 67,000 tonnes in February, same as January and showed 48% year-on-year decrease. The stock was 10,000 tonnes or same level as January for plate and decreased by 2,000 tonnes to 43,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil while the stock increased by 2,000 tonnes to 14,000 tonnes for cold rolled.

The stock in Osaka was 58,000 tonnes in February, down by 21% from January and showed 42% year-on-year decrease. The stock decreased by 2,000 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes for plate and declined by 9,000 tonnes to 21,000 tonnes for hot rolled and declined by 4,000 tonnes to 31,000 tonnes for cold rolled.