Japan’s leading electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaker Tokyo Steel has increased product prices for April sales under its latest monthly price list.
The company raised HRC (1.7-22 mm) and pickled and oiled coil (1.7-6 mm) prices by JPY 7,000 (USD 44) per ton to JPY 93,000 (USD 585) per ton and JPY 99,000 (USD 623) per ton, respectively. Coated coil (0.9-1.6 mm) prices were also increased by JPY 7,000 (USD 44) per ton to JPY 128,000 (USD 805) per ton.
In long products, rebar (13-25 mm) and H-beams (100×100-350×350) prices rose by JPY 5,000 per ton to JPY 87,000 (USD 547) per ton and JPY 108,000 (USD 679) per ton, respectively.
Commenting on the increase, Tokyo Steel said benchmark steel prices in Europe and the US are trending upward, while prices in Asia are also being reassessed after a recent correction phase. The company added that rising crude oil prices amid the Middle East conflict and regional geopolitical tensions are disrupting the global economy and are expected to push energy and raw material costs higher, supporting further steel price increases.
In Japan, construction demand remains cautious in some regions due to slow pass-through of price increases, keeping market activity subdued. However, orders from distributors are gradually improving, inventories are tightening in parts of the market, and inquiries for shorter delivery times are increasing.
Tokyo Steel expects capital investment projects, including logistics warehouses, data centers and factories, to support cargo movement and market activity. Demand for steel plates also remains firm, driven by machinery and equipment investment, while steel consumption in semiconductors, shipbuilding and automotive sectors is expected to gradually recover toward the new fiscal year.
The company noted that higher raw material and energy costs are strengthening the need to pass on cost increases to product prices, while production will continue to be adjusted in line with market supply and demand conditions.
1 USD / 159 JPY
