According to the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF) data, in October 2009 Japan's galvanized sheet output totaled one million metric tons, remaining unchanged over September and down 19 percent year on year. While Japan's galvanized sheet output has been increasing since May this year, the rising trend has seen a slowdown in September and October.
Meanwhile, total Japanese shipments of galvanized sheet in October this year amounted to 1.03 million metric tons, up three percent month on month, but down 19 percent over October 2008. During the month in question, 67.12 percent of the shipments were made to the domestic market, while the remaining 32.88 percent were made to the export markets.
In October, Japan's galvanized sheet inventories fell three percent over the previous month, reaching 868,000 metric tons, but were down 19 percent year on year. 65.09 percent of inventories were held by steel manufacturers, while 34.91 percent were held by steel traders.
The average domestic price for galvanized sheet in Japan in October was Yen 98,000/mt, up one percent over September, but down 23 percent compared to October 2008.
