Japanese yards report steel delivery delays

Japanese shipyards are reporting difficulties caused by delays in delivery of raw materials. Reports suggest that steel plate is being delayed by four weeks to some yards, though the average delay in steel supplies is said to be around two weeks. The delays in delivery are thought to be as a result of Japanese steel suppliers putting pressure on shipyards to accept price increases, which in some cases represent nearly 40%.

The steel suppliers, however, say that they are being forced to put in place new inspection measures to ensure that steel meets Japanese and international standards, and this is the reason for both price increases and delivery delays.