Japan Steel Export Statistics: May 2019

Japan, the worlds third largest crude steel producer observed fall in exports of ferrous scrap and finish long steel while exports of semi-finished products and finish flat steel witnessed an increase on the monthly basis in May'19, the customs data maintained with SteelMint showed.

According to world steel association, Japan's crude steel output remained almost stable in May'19 and stood at 8.68 MnT as compared to 8.65 MnT in Apr'19 while on an yearly basis production decreased by 5% Y-o-Y as against 9.09 MnT in May'18.

Ferrous Scrap - Japanese ferrous scrap exports decline in May'19 - As per recent released customs data, Japan scrap exports declined by 16% M-o-M to 500,943 MT in May'19 as against 593,086 MT exports in Apr'19. On a yearly basis export dropped 19% Y-o-Y as against 618,420 MT ferrous scrap exports recorded in May'18.

Country-wise - South Korea remained the largest importer occupying a share of 72% in total scrap exports from Japan in May'19, importing 291,366 MT in the month, witnessing a drop of 19% M-o-M against 361,577 in April'19 . Vietnam stood at 2nd position with a 33% share, as it imported 156,686 MT in May, dropping 5% M-o-M. Followed by other prominent importers Taiwan (24,507 MT down 49%) and Malaysia (15,423 MT, up 99%) occupying 10% and 2% share respectably.

Japanese suppliers could have followed a cautious approach as export offers witnessed successive lowering amid weak domestic sentiments while limited bookings were observed from top importers. During March closing, H2 scrap offers stood at JPY 34,000/MT, FOB Japan, while the same had dropped below JPY 30,000/MT, FOB by last week of May'19.

Finished Flat steel - On monthly basis Japan's flat steel exports witnessed upsurge by 13% to 2,220,312 MT in May'19 as compared to 1,972,800 MT in the previous month, whereas on yearly premise the exports fell by 3% Y-o-Y, as against 2,287,952 MT May'18.

Country wise- Japan majorly exports flat steel to Thailand; rose by 15% to 3,61,281 MT in May'19 over 3,12,977 MT in the previous month. Country's exports to China increased by 22% M-o-M to 3,60,081 MT in May'19. Whereas exports to South Korea surged by 23% M-o-M to 3,68,188 MT in May'19. Japan also exported flat steel to Vietnam, Mexico, Indonesia and India in May'19.

Amid imposition of trade tariffs from USA and Europe, the nation is trying to capture growing demand hubs like India after being blocked from markets in the United States and Europe by tariffs and other protectionist measures, while competitive offers from other exporting nations persist.

Finished Long steel - Long steel exports from Japan fell by 7% M-o-M in May'19 and stood stood at 172,485 MT as compared to 184,630 MT in April'19, amid weakening global demand and the US-China trade dispute. On yearly premises exports dropped by 18% M-o-M as against 211,407 MT in May'18.

Country Wise - The major exports of Finish Long Steel in May'19 were registered through South Korea as it imported 59,318 MT rising by 5 % M-o-M, followed by Thailand importing 31,864 MT of Finished Long steel, up 31% against previous month.

Semi Finished - Japan's Semi finished exports recorded a significant rise in May'19 as the country exported 315,378 MT billet, up 31% M-o-M as against 241,753 MT in April'19. On an yearly basis, the exports dropped by 13% M-o-M as against 364,058 MT in May'18.

Country-wise - Taiwan remains the largest importer of Japanese Semi Finished products with a share of 46% of share as it imported 145,563 MT up 37% M-o-M, followed by South Korea (95,730 MT, up 38% M-o-M) and Thailand (52,199 up 40%M-o-M) with 30% and 17% share respectively.

Source :SteelMint Stats

Quantity in MT