Japan 5 Integrated Steels’ Raw Steel Output Hits Yearly Highest in October

Crude steel production by Japanese 5 integrated steel makers totaled 6.95 million tonnes in October, which increased by 8.2% from the previous month and turned upward after 2 months. The production kept above 6 million tonnes for 4 straight months and hit the yearly highest in October. Averaged output per day was 224,000 tonnes in October, which represents the yearly record. Compared with October 2008, the monthly output was lower by 8.3%. The year-to-year minus range narrowed from 15% in September.

Nippon Steel’s crude steel production increased by 15% to 2.63 million tonnes in October from the previous month. The production also represented month-to-month increase at Sumitomo Metal Industries, Kobe Steel and Nisshin Steel. JFE Steel’s output decreased by 1.1% to 2.33 million tonnes.

The 5 makers’ pig iron production totaled 6.65 million tonnes in October, which increased by 9.9% from the previous month and turned upward after 2 months. Averaged output per day was 214,000 tonnes. Both monthly and daily production hit the yearly highest. Compared with October 2008, monthly production was lower by 8.8%. The year-to-year minus range narrowed from 17% in September.