Japan Metals Report Q1 2015 - New Market Report

Weak economic growth will lead Japan's metal s industry to see minimal growth to 2018 . The country's construction and infrastructure industries will see declining growth by late-2015 after recent expansion, while automotive production will be modest over the coming years. Yet a weaker yen is likely to encourage exports, supporting stable production levels.

Japanese refined metal production and consumption will see minimal growth in the coming years on account of weakening economic fundamentals. Our outlook for Japanese economic growth remains below consensus, as we currently forecast real GDP growth of just 0.9% in 2015. However, recent monetary loosening may boost construction in the shorter term through subdued interest rates, and a weaker yen should support metal exports.

While Japan remains one of the largest producers and consumers of various industrial metals, it faces a declining share of world output and demand, as both China and India expand their global share of production and consumption. Furthermore, we expect global steel prices to remain subdued in 2015 on the back of continued overcapacity, putting pressure on steel producers. Additionally, we believe the positive impact of government stimulus measures in 2013 looks to be wearing off, and with companies facing pressures to hike wages, capital expenditure growth will stall, acting as a further headwind to domestic metal demand.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/912339_japan_metals_report_q1_2015.aspx?afid=301

Overall, we expect production of refined metals to outpace growth in demand, leading to an output surplus over the coming years. Indeed, we expect Japan to become a larger net nickel exporter in the coming years. We therefore expect Japan's exports of refined metals to increase, with the primary export market being China, a market we expect to remain reliant on imported metals despite significant production capacity.

The Japan Metals Report has been researched at source, and features latest-available data for steel, aluminium and other major globally-traded commodities. Our analysis covers all primary indicators, including production, exports and price, with our forecasts underpinned by Business Monitor International (BMI)'s macroeconomists global economic outlook. The report analyses trends and prospects and critically evaluates latest industry news, trends and regulatory developments in Japan.

BMI's Japan Metals Report provides industry professionals and strategists, sector analysts, business investors, trade associations and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on the metals industry in Japan.

Key Benefits

* Benchmark BMI's independent metals industry forecasts for Japan to test other views - a key input for successful budgeting and strategic business planning in the Japan metals market.

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is a leading distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff is always available to help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

You may also be interested in these related reports:

- United States Metals Report Q1 2015
- Australia Metals Report Q1 2015
- France Metals Report Q1 2015
- Netherlands Metals Report Q1 2015
- Romania Metals Report Q1 2015