Japan: Non-Alloy Steel U-Section Market 2025

Non-Alloy Steel U-Section Market Size in Japan

The Japanese non-alloy steel u-section market contracted to $X in 2022, which is down by -11.9% against the previous year. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a deep setback. Non-alloy steel u-section consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Non-Alloy Steel U-Section Production in Japan

In value terms, non-alloy steel u-section production fell to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a perceptible shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Non-Alloy Steel U-Section Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, exports of u-sections of non-alloy steel from Japan rose rapidly to X tons, with an increase of 11% against 2021. In general, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, non-alloy steel u-section exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated modest growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +58.5% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

South Korea (X tons) was the main destination for non-alloy steel u-section exports from Japan, with a 66% share of total exports. Moreover, non-alloy steel u-section exports to South Korea exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Vietnam (X tons), sixfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Malaysia (X tons), with a 9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to South Korea totaled +1.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Vietnam (+44.9% per year) and Malaysia (-0.1% per year).

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the key foreign market for u-sections of non-alloy steel exports from Japan, comprising 62% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Vietnam ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Malaysia, with an 8.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to South Korea amounted to +3.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Vietnam (+43.1% per year) and Malaysia (+1.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average non-alloy steel u-section export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 6.9% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a modest expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, non-alloy steel u-section export price increased by +51.7% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 42%. The export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Korea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+2.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Non-Alloy Steel U-Section Imports

Imports into Japan

For the third consecutive year, Japan recorded decline in overseas purchases of u-sections of non-alloy steel, which decreased by -77.6% to X tons in 2022. In general, imports faced a precipitous slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 148% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, non-alloy steel u-section imports contracted significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a sharp setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 96%. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of non-alloy steel u-section to Japan, with a 79% share of total imports. Moreover, non-alloy steel u-section imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Vietnam (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from China stood at -6.7%.

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of u-sections of non-alloy steel to Japan, comprising 79% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Vietnam ($X), with a 17% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China totaled -4.0%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average non-alloy steel u-section import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, non-alloy steel u-section import price increased by +68.9% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 42% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for Vietnam totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+2.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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