Japan Imported Steel Stock Rises by 4.4% in January

Hanwa Co. announced on Friday Japanese imported steel inventory at quays in Tokyo and Osaka increased by 6,000 tonnes or 4.4% to 140,000 tonnes at the end of January from December. The inventory increased for the first time in 3 months. Offshore steel makers increased the export to Japan while domestic dealers reduced the purchase volume. Compared with a year earlier, the inventory decreased by 104,000 tonnes or 22.3%.

At Osaka quays, the inventory increased by 5,000 tonnes or 7.3% to 73,000 tonnes at the end of January from December. The inventory kept flat at 8,000 tonnes for plate while increased by 2,000 tonnes or 7.1% to 30,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil.

At Tokyo quays, the stock increased by 1,000 tonnes or 1.5% to 67,000 tonnes at the end of January from December. The stock increased by 2,000 tonnes or 25.0% to 10,000 tonnes for plate while decreased by 1,000 tonnes or 2.1% to 45,000 tonnes for hot rolled coil. The inventory kept flat at 12,000 tonnes for cold coil.