Japan Billet Exports Decline about 7% in Jan-Nov’17- Customs

Japan is the world’s 2nd largest steel producing country & the nation’s Billet exports plunged by around 7% Y-o-Y in first eleven months of 2017.

The nation’s billet export were recorded at 3.64 MnT during Jan-Nov 2017, which was 3.92 MnT during the same period in 2016. Taiwan remains the largest importer of Japanese Billet, as the nation has contributing around 40% (1.50 MnT), followed by South Korea (30%), US (10%), Thailand (8%) & Philippines (4%).

Prior to this in the duration of Jan-Nov, in CY16 the country’s billet export was around 3.92 MnT & in CY15 at 4.13 MnT.

During November 2017, Japan has exported about 370,000 MT billet, decline by around 2.63% M-o-M against 380,000 MT in October 2017.

Further in the month of November 2017, the crude steel production of Japan was around 8.70 MnT and in CY17 (Jan-Nov) it was approximately 95.94 MnT.

Key Updates

1. During Jan-Nov’17, Japan imported around 57.79% of iron ore from Australia, which was around 66.36 MnT. Meanwhile the import of iron ore in the same preceding last year stood at 70.68 MnT. Current offer of Fe 62% Fines are at USD 62/MT FoB Australia, from Dampier/Cape Lambert port

2. Japanese H2 grade ferrous scrap export price assessment is at Yen 36,750/MT (USD 325/MT) FOB Japan

3. The export offers of 150*150 IS 2830 grade billet are currently at USD 510-520/MT FoB India & 125*125 at USD 525-530/MT CNF Middle East.

Top Unload Country (Jan – Nov’17), Billet

Quantity in MnT
Sources: SteelMint Stats.