According to the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF) data, in November 2009 Japan's galvanized sheet output totaled 1.05 million metric tons, rising 4.84 percent over October, but down 4.24 percent year on year. While Japan's galvanized sheet output has been increasing since May 2009, the rising trend has seen a slowdown in September and October.
Meanwhile, total Japanese shipments of galvanized sheet in November this year amounted to 1.04 million metric tons, up 0.91 percent month on month and up 0.3 percent compared to November 2008. During the month in question, 66.1 percent of the shipments were made to the domestic market, while the remaining 33.9 percent were made to the export markets.
In November, Japan's galvanized sheet inventories rose 1.79 percent over the previous month, reaching 883,000 metric tons, but were down 22.16 percent year on year. 66.39 percent of inventories were held by steel manufacturers, while 33.61 percent were held by steel traders.
The average domestic price for galvanized sheet in Japan in November was Yen 98,000/mt ($1,066/mt), remaining unchanged over October, but down 20.32 percent compared to November 2008.
