Boom in Japanese Tinplate Exports

Nov. 26 -- Japanese tin mill product exports to Asian markets have increased sharply this year, with major producers now seeking prices rises for the first quarter of 2011, according to Steel Business Briefing.

Japan’s January-September tinplate exports were up 26% at 470,400 tonnes and tin-free steel up 35% at 191,700 tonnes, according to customs data. A Nippon Steel spokesman acknowledged that export demand is strong, although domestic demand was only stable. “Beverage makers in Japan are continuing to use more plastic bottles and this may lower domestic tinplate demand,” he said.

Japan’s tinplate producers led by Nippon Steel and Toyo Kohan aim to lift export prices for January-March shipments by $50-100/tonne to offset higher tin prices. “Demand for tinplate from Asian countries remains strong and we believe customers will accept the rise to secure stable supplies,” a market source told SBB. Despite strong demand, tinplate and blackplate prices were not increased in the current quarter because market conditions for steel hot rolled coil – the substrate material – were weak.