In January this year, Japan's hot rolled plate and sheet shipments decreased by three percent on month-on-month basis and by 14 percent on year-on-year basis, amounting to 906,729 metric tons. 75 percent of shipments were made to the domestic market, while the remaining 25 percent were made to the export markets, according to the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF) data.
Meanwhile, in January, Japan's hot rolled strip shipments amounted to 1.13 million mt, decreasing five percent compared to December 2011 and down 10 percent year on year. 33 percent of shipments were made to the domestic market, while the remaining 67 percent were made to the export markets.
In January, Japan's HR plate and sheet inventories increased by six percent over the previous month, rising to 665,565 metric tons, and were down one percent year on year. 82 percent of inventories were held by steel manufacturers, while 18 percent were held by steel traders. Meanwhile, at the end of January, HR strip inventories amounted to 1.8 million mt in Japan, increasing three percent both over the previous month and compared to the same month last year.
The average domestic price for HR plate and sheet in Japan in January this year was JPY 85,000/mt (approx. $1,045/mt), remaining unchanged compared to the previous month and up JPY 1,000/mt year on year from JPY 84,000/mt. On the other hand, the average domestic price for HR strip in the month in question was JPY 68,000/mt ($836/mt), remaining unchanged compared to the previous month of December and up JPY 1,000/mt year on year.
In Janaury, Japan's HR plate and sheet output totaled 943,718 metric tons, increasing by 13 percent month on month and down 11 percent compared to January 2011, while its HR strip output amounted to 1.2 million mt, up two percent compared to December last year and down nine percent year on year.