According to the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF) data, in October 2009 Japan's cold rolled sheet and strip output totaled 619,000 metric tons, increasing by eight percent over September and up 6.72 percent year on year. Thus Japan's CR sheet and strip production has posted its highest monthly level since July 2008 in October.
Meanwhile, total Japanese shipments of CR sheet and strip in October this year amounted to 598,000 metric tons, up one percent month on month and up two percent over October 2008. During the month in question, 49.5 percent of the shipments were made to the domestic market, while the remaining 50.5 percent were made to the export markets.
In October, Japan's CR sheet and strip inventories rose four percent over the previous month, reaching 612,000 metric tons, but were down 12 percent year on year. 71.4 percent of inventories were held by steel manufacturers, while 28.6 percent were held by steel traders.
The average domestic price for CR sheet and strip in Japan in October was $873.54/mt, up 1.32 percent or $11.4/mt over September, but down 33.62 percent or $442/mt compared to October 2008.
* The price levels are based on current exchange rates.