Japan - Flat Steel Exports Fell Nearly 6 Years Low
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According to latest customs data released, Japan flat steel exports which includes 7208 (HR coils /Plates),7209 (CR coils),7225 (Electrical sheets),7210/7212(GP/GC) hit all time low at 1.82 MnT In Sep'18.However the same volumes was recorded at 1.84 MnT in Jan'12.Thus nation's flat steel export volumes is recorded nearly six years low in Sep'18.
However on monthly basis country's export volumes slumped by 15% in Sep'18 as compared to 2.15 MnT in previous month.
Similarly on yearly basis nation's flat steel export volumes fell down by 15% against 2.13 MnT in Aug'17.
During first nine months of Jan-Sep'18, nation's flat steel exports stood at 18.43 MnT fell by 4% which was 19.21 MnT in same time frame of previous year.
The Japanese economy remains healthy and there is stable demand for flat steel in the domestic automotive and shipbuilding industries. This has led to limited quantities available for exports.Meanwhile Japanese steel major's lower offers in line with key HRC markets in Asia, which have seen falling prices in recent weeks.This is due to the weak fundamental demand and bearish economic performances in key importing countries.
Japanese steel exports likely to increase in Oct-Dec quarter- According to METI,Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry are anticipating surge in steel exports as nation steel export to United states is weakening amid strong demand in domestic market.
Commodity Wise Flat steel exports from Japan in Sep'18
| Sub Commodity | Sep'18 | Aug'18 | M-o-M (Change in %) | Sep'17 | Y-o-Y (Change in %) |
| HRC/Plate | 0.96 | 1.16 | -17.24 | 1.17 | -17.94 |
| Electrical Steel | 0.45 | 0.51 | -11.76 | 0.47 | -4.25 |
| Galvanized Steel | 0.23 | 0.25 | -8 | 0.25 | -8 |
| CRC | 0.16 | 0.21 | -23.80 | 0.22 | -27.27 |
| Others | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0 | 0.01 | 0 |
| Grand Total | 1.82 | 2.14 | -15% | 2.13 | -15% |
Fig in MnT
Source- SteelMint Research
Country-wise Japan Flat steel exports in Sep'18- China remained the largest flat steel importer of Japan and procured 0.34 MnT in Sep'18 decline by 11% against 0.38 MnT in previous month.
Second largest importer was Thailand at 0.32 MnT in Sep'18 fell by 16% as compared to 0.38 MnT in previous month.
Third largest importer was South Korea at 0.24 MnT,in Sep'18 drop by 8% against 0.26 MnT a month ago.
Other major importers were Vietnam at 0.13 MnT in Sep'18 against 0.17 MnT in previous month.Followed by Mexico which remain stable at 0.13 MnT since last two months,Indonesia at 0.10 MnT,India at 0.09 MnT and Malaysia at 0.07 MnT in Sep'18.
