According to data released by the Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan’s output of hot rolled (HR) stainless steel products totaled 226,700 tons in January, rising by 4.1% from a month ago. Among them, 108,802 tons were chrome-based stainless steel products, rising by 4.8%; 117,903 tons were nickel-based stainless steel products, increasing by 5.8%, both compared to those in a month ago. At the end of January, Japan’s stocks of stainless steel products totaled 127,230 tons, down by 2.7% month on month.