Welded Stainless Tube Price Weak around Tokyo

The market price of welded stainless steel tube is weak at 330,000-340,000 yen per tonne for SUS304 around Tokyo. Dealers’ sales is increasing in June from May. Dealers’ shipment is low.

The demand for welded stainless steel tube keeps low when business enterprises are holding off the investment. Dealers are advancing the inventory adjustment. The demand for valve or joint grows stagnant, too.

Major welded stainless steel tube makers obtained JIS certification in March. A dealer source said the inventory volume of welded stainless steel tube is increasing since spring.

On the other hand, major dealer source said major dealer had been focused on the inventory adjustment anticipating increasing inventory due to the acquisition of the certification. Nickel price is rising, but welded stainless steel tube price is continuing gradual decline.