Japanese Stainless Makers’ Operation Rate Recovers Gradually

Japanese stainless steel makers’ output is slightly recovering. Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Steel (NSSC), Japanese largest stainless maker, is increasing the operation rate of cold rolled stainless sheet to about 70% from 50% in last month against the peak level. YAKIN KAWASAKI, a subsidiary of Nippon Yakin Kogyo, is increasing the operation rate to above 60%. Kinuura works of Nippon Metal Industry is reaching 70%. Stainless steel export is increasing to Asia due to anticipation of a rise of stainless goods by rising nickel price. Domestic makers are increasing the output. On the other hand, domestic demand hit the bottom but hasn’t recovered fully yet. These makers will increase the operation rate with the demand.

NSSC expects the operation rate of Yawata works exceeds 80% for July-September when stainless plate export is increasing for oil, chemical, solar power generation and atomic energy to Asia, China or Taiwan. The supply and demand in Asia is improving for chrome and nickel series cold rolled stainless products by progressing inventory adjustment.

The operation rate of Nisshin Steel’ Shunan works is expected to exceed 80% for July-September thanks to rising export orders. Nippon Yakin Kogyo’s export is increasing for high nickel series functional products to Asia and Europe. The firm’s operation rate exceeded 60% for April-June and is expected to keep same level for July-September.

Nippon Metal Industry’s export of low-nickel series products is also rising to Asia. Kinuura Works increased the operation rate by 30% to 20,000 tonnes per month.

A maker source said it is important that makers get the profit in the operation rate of 60-70% in fiscal 2009 ending in March 2010 when domestic demand for mainly building material is low and is expected to recover after next year.