Japan Raw Steel Output Increases by 15.5% in July

Japanese 5 integrated steel makers’ raw steel output increased by 15.5% to 6.003 million tonnes in July from June, which exceeded 6 million tonnes for the first time since November 2008. The output increased for 3 consecutive months while decreased by 21.4% from a year earlier. The output increased by 11.8% to 194,000 tonnes per day in July from June, the highest level since November 2008 at above 20,000 tonnes per day. Inventory adjustment by makers, dealers and users has progressed. Steel makers’ raw steel output per day hit bottom in April and increased by 36.9% in July from April.

Nippon Steel’s output increased by 15.3% to 2.11 million tonnes in July from June, which exceeded 2 million tonnes for the first time since December 2008. JFE Steel’s output increased by 17.3% to 2.239 million tonnes, which recovered 2 million tonnes for the first time since November 2008.

Sumitomo Metal Industries’ output increased by 14.8% to 870,000 tonnes, which hit 800,000 tonnes for the first time since March 2009. Kobe Steel’s output increased by 9.3% to 519,000 tonnes and reached 500,000 tonnes for the first time since December 2008. Nisshin Steel’s output increased by 16.7% to 265,000 tonnes, the highest level since December 2008.

The 5 makers’ pig iron output increased by 11.5% to 5.687 million tonnes in July from June, which increased for 3 consecutive months. The output hit the highest level since December 2008. The output increased by 7.9% to 183,000 tonnes per day, which also upped for 3 straight months. The output per day increased by 25.5% in July from the recent bottom in April.

JFE Steel’s pig iron output increased by 15.6% to 2.109 million tonnes in July from June, which exceeded 2 million tonnes for the first time since October 2008. Nippon Steel’s pig iron output increased by 12.1% to 1.94 million tonnes, the highest level since January 2009.