According to announced data from the Japan Iron & Steel Federation, Japan's nationwide production of small bars totaled 696,500 tonnes in July 2011, up by 4.6% YoY but down by 0.8% MoM, indicating a YoY increase for the first time in three months.

In January to July 2011 period, nationwide production of small bars totaled 4,980,200 tonnes, up by 2.7% YoY, averaging 711,000 tonnes per month, when it translated into an annualized 8,540,000 tonnes.

Nationwide production totaled 2,895,200 tonnes in April to July 2011 or in the first four months of fiscal 2011, up by 0.2% YoY, translating into an annualized 8,690,000 tonnes.

(Sourced from TEX Report Limited)