Stronger domestic demand in Japan and South Korea leaves little room for exports

摘要

An improvement in market sentiment in Japan and South Korea on the back of increasing domestic demand, particularly within Japan, has resulted in a general lack of interest in export markets which is reflected in pricing. The upcoming sales tax in Japan is projected to temper demand for sheet products from 01 Apr 2014 as continued downside risks materialise in the form of falling costs, thus, shifting the focus of Japanese mills to more competitive export prices.