Japan's April crude steel output falls 6% on month amid holidays, lockdown

摘要

Japan saw its crude steel production in April fall 6.0% from March to 7.82 million mt but rise 18.9% year on year, data from the Japan Iron & Steel Federation showed May 21. The annual spike was due to a lower comparison base as production in April 2020 was cut due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic which reduced steel demand from the vehicle industry. For instance, Nippon Steel lowered output at three blast furnaces from midApril 2020 to late May and JFE Steel Corp. suspended works at two blast furnaces over end-April to end-June.