Lower Angle, Channel Price in Tokyo

Market price of angle and channel steel is weak around Tokyo. Equal angle steel price is around 76,000 yen with 6 millimeters thick and 50 mm width. Channel steel price is 81,000 yen with 5 mm thick, 50 by 100 mm width. Dealers have almost finished inventory adjustment mainly for angle but their shipment maintains very slow.

Some dealers said some long size products are stocked out at their sites. Dealers’ inventory is decreasing. Some dealers are increasing order volume to makers. However, shipment volume keeps as low as last month.

Shape steel makers set their selling price unchanged for May contracts. But dealers expect makers may decrease the selling price soon. Dealers are minimizing orders for makers.

Some dealers said supply and demand balance is gradually balanced for angle but channel inventory is still surplus. Dealers’ shipment would keep low for a while.