According to data released by Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF), the country's crude steel production totaled 9.3 million tons in September, rising by 5.5% year on year, driven by strong demand from manufacturing industry, carmakers and construction sectors.
In April-September period, Japan's crude steel production amounted to 55.80 million tons, up by 2% year on year.
Meanwhile, in September, the country's production of small-diameter steel bar products totaled 820,000 tons, rising by 9.6%; that of H-beams totaled 365,300 tons, increasing by 26%, both compared to the figures in the same month of 2012.