Nippon Steel Corporation has been lowering the tapping ratio of blast furnaces, extending the time between blasting, and taking other measures to reduce overall steel output volume.

Responding to the immediate sharp drop in demand for steel products, however, we have decided to implement additional measures as follows:

The banking of the No. 2 blast furnace at the East Nippon Works' Kimitsu area will be carried out from the middle of May 2020, as soon as preparations are completed.

Banking is to take measures to temporarily stop blast furnace production but make it possible to restart production at a later date by stopping the air blast flow.

Concerning coke ovens, in accordance with the reduction in blast furnace tapping volume, we will adjust or suspend production of some of coke ovens at the East Nippon Works' Kimitsu area in addition to a substantial reduction of their operating rates, which has already been executed.

We intend to continue responding to changes in steel demand in Japan and overseas and carrying out prompt and effective production adjustment.

Reference: Nippon Steel Corporation Blast furnace banking

Banking-in Date

Setouchi Works' Kure area No.2 blast furnace Feb. 15, 2020

East Nippon Works' Kashima area No. 1 blast furnace Apr. 15, 2020

Kansai Works' Wakayama area No. 1 blast furnacelate April 2020,as soon as preparations are completed

Contact:

Tel: +81-3-6867-2135

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