According to data released by the Japan Iron and Steel Federation, Japan's shipments of galvanized steel plates totaled 1.07 million tonnes in July 2012, rising by 5% MoM and increasing by 2% YoY.

Among them, 65% were shipped to domestic market and 35% were for exports.

In July 2012, the country's production of galvanized steel plates totaled 1.04 million tonnes, increasing by 4% MoM while falling by 1% YoY.

Meanwhile, Japan's inventories of galvanized steel plates totaled 1 million tonnes in July 2012, down by 3% MoM and falling by 7% YoY. 62% were owned by steelmakers and 38% were held by traders.

The average domestic prices of the galvanized steel plates were at JPY 98,000 per tonne in July 2012, remaining flat from a month ago while decreasing by JPY 5,000 per tonne year on year.

Source - www.yieh.com)

(www.steelguru.com)