The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced the production volume of stainless steel products (hot rolled products) in January 2014 was 254,372 tonnes which represented a slight increase of 0.6% versus the prior month and an increase of 12.2% versus the year earlier month.

The breakdown was Chrome-type: 122,718 tonnes (Cr-type: 102,573 tonnes, Cr-Mo-type: 20,145 tonnes), down by 8.0% from the prior month and Nickel type: 131,654 tonnes (Cr-Mn-type: 3,020 tonnes, Ni-Cr-type: 103,481 tonnes and Ni-Cr-Mo-type: 25,153 tonnes) up by 10.3% ditto. The production of Cr-type decreased due to a return action to the high level of the prior month, which however exceeded the monthly average in 2013 substantially. As to Nickel type, only Mn type (200 series) was down from the prior month, but other Ni type were up and offset the decrease in the production of Chrome type.

The stainless steel mill's inventory as of end January was Stainless steel products: 124,845 tonnes (up by 4.4% from the prior month) and Other special steels: 3,613 tonnes (down by 18.5% ditto). 

• [Editor:Juan]