Japanese negotiations with Asian countries for the fourth quarter price of thinning plate are drawing to a close. Negotiations with many of the countries have been moving smoothly with the exception of China. Japanese mills are seeking an increase of US$50/ton but Chinese buyers are seeking a US$30 to 40/ton. Negotiations between the Japanese producers and Chinese buyers have reached a difficult phase. However, the Chinese domestic price has already increased by US$20/ton during the third quarter and it is also higher than the Japanese domestic quote. (Sep. 18)