The U.S. imported a total of 1,214,000 net tons of steel in April 2009, a 21% decrease vs. March final data, according to the latest report from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
The report, which is based on preliminary Census Bureau data, shows that total imports included 1,107 ,000 net tons of finished steel, reflecting a 25% decrease vs. March final data.
On an annualized basis, total steel imports are down 37% vs. 2008, while finished steel imports are down 28%. Annualizing total imports of steel would result in 20.1 million net tons for the full year 2009. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 25% in April, and year-to-date market share (through four months) is an estimated 30%.
Key products with increases in April 2009 compared to March include
- Heavy Structural Shapes, + 15%
- Cold Rolled Sheets, + 9%
- Tin Plate, + 5%
For YTD 2009 vs. same period last year, OCTG imports (led by China) are up 50%.
In April, the largest volume of finished imports from offshore was from China (98,000 net tons, down 50% from March). April tonnage from China was 9% of all finished imports and, based on YTD data, finished steel imports from China in 2009 would annualize at 3.0 million net tons.
Other major offshore suppliers in April included Japan (84,000 net tons, down 21% from April), India (79,000, down 5%), and Korea (71,000 net tons, down 48%). For YTD 2009 vs. same period last year, finished imports are up significantly for a number of countries, including China (+ 33%).
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. The Institute comprises 24 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 138 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.