Japan Electric Furnaces Reduce Ferrous Scrap Buy Prices

Electric furnace steel makers reduced the ferrous scrap purchase price one after another. The makers around Tokyo reduced the price to 56,000-60,000 yen per tonne for H2 grade, which is 12,000 yen lower than recent peak in early July. The makers around Osaka also reduced the price to 58,000-59,500 yen per tonne level for H2 grade, which is 12,000-14,000 yen lower than recent peak. The major drop could impact on steel products market. Japanese high priced scrap market is adjusted when offshore buyers shift to cheaper scrap in USA and other areas. Electric furnaces in northern Japan also reduce the scrap purchase price. Ishinomaki plant of Itoh Iron and Steel, Sendai plant of JFE Bars & Shapes, Tohoku Steel and Tohoku plant of Tokyo Tekko reduced the scrap price by 3,000 yen per tonne on Friday. Hokuetsu Metal and Mitsuboshi Metal Industry both in Niigata reduced the price by 3,000 yen on the day.