According to data released by the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF), Japan's shipments of hot rolled plate and sheet totaled 651,328 metric tons in May 2026. This represents a 3.1% decrease compared to the previous month and a 3.1% decline from the 672,386 metric tons recorded in May 2025.
Of the total shipments, 74.3% were destined for the domestic market, while the remaining 25.7% were allocated to export markets.
In terms of production, hot rolled plate and sheet output reached 703,294 metric tons in May, reflecting a 6.4% month-on-month increase but a 0.9% year-on-year decline.
Meanwhile, Japan's hot rolled strip shipments in May totaled 1.32 million metric tons, marking a 19.7% rise from April and a 7.4% increase year on year. Of these shipments, 23.4% went to the domestic market, while 76.6% were directed to exports.
Production of hot rolled strip during the month stood at 1.34 million metric tons, up 19.8% month on month and 12.8% year on year.
