Japan's CR steel strip shipments edge up 5.2% in May, though annual decline persists

According to data released by the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF), Japan's cold-rolled (CR) sheet and strip shipments reached 362,937 metric tons in May 2026. This marks a 5.2% increase compared to the previous month, although it represents an 11.3% year-on-year decline. Of the total volume, the domestic market absorbed 49.3%, while exports accounted for the remaining 50.7%.

In terms of supply, domestic inventories of CR sheet and strip rose to 669,319 metric tons, reflecting a 4.4% month-on-month and a 1.9% year-on-year increase. Steel manufacturers held the majority share of these inventories at 74.4%, with traders holding the balance of 25.6%.

Production figures for May showed a mixed performance. Output totaled 391,096 metric tons, surging 16.9% from April but still trailing last year's levels by 3.5%.