Japan – Flat Steel Exports Inch Down by 3% in H1CY18

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) stood at 12.45 MnT in H1CY18 moved down by 3.3% against 12.88 MnT in first half of CY17.

On monthly basis nation’s flat steel exports remain largely stable since last two months at 2.14 MnT

Similarly on yearly basis nation’s flat steel export volumes remain unchanged at 2.13 MnT in Jun’18 and Jun’17.

Nation’s steel export volumes decline slightly post imposition of USA tariffs-Nation’s steel export volume witness decline amid imposition of USA tariffs in the month of June.However the decline is marginal but still raise the concerns among Japanese policymakers that whether Trump will push Japan to take concrete measures to lower its trade surplus with the United States.

Although overall exports remain healthy but it is uncertain that how it will turn out on the trade policy front.Moreover strong domestic demand in construction,automobiles and shipbuilding sector results to fall in nation’s exports volumes in first half of CY18.

Japan: Commodity Wise Flat Steel Exports in H1CY’18.

Fig in MnT
Source- SteelMint Research

Country-wise Japan flat steel exports in H1CY18- China remained the largest flat steel importer of Japan and procured 2.10 MnT in Jan-Jun’18,decline by 1.4% against 2.13 MnT in Jan-Jun’17.

Second largest importer was Thailand at 2.07 MnT in H1CY18 remained largely stable at first half of CY17.

Third largest importer was South Korea at 1.54 MnT,in H1CY18 down by 10% against 1.71 MnT in H1CY17.

Other major importers were Vietnam at 0.96 MnT ,Indonesia at 0.77 MnT followed by Mexico at 0.80 MnT,Malaysia at 0.52 MnT and India at 0.51 MnT in H1CY18.