Japanese Electrogalvanized Sheet Makers Raise Export Price by US$ 50 to Asia

Japanese integrated steel makers aim to raise export price of electrogalvanized steel sheet by US$ 50 to FOB US$ 800 per tonne to Asia for January-March shipment. Supply and demand balance is tightening in Asia. The demand is increasing from flat televisions mainly in China, other electronic products for offices or electric components for automobiles. In addition, major steel sheet makers are currently repairing rolling mills.

Japanese integrated steels’ export price decreased widely this spring due to global economy downturn. The price was around FOB US$ 500 in July. The price rose rapidly for July-September thanks to bounceback of Chinese demand and reached US$ 750 for October shipment. The price kept unchanged for November-December shipment when Chinese steel market price dropped due to high steel output and inventory.

Chinese major steel makers, such as Bao Steel or Wuhan Iron & Steel, raise the selling price to domestic and overseas markets in December. The demand keeps steady from electric appliances thanks to govermental stimulus measures by many countries. Orders are increasing to Japanese steel makers from offshore users.