STEEL IMPORTS HEADLINESSteel Imports
Preliminary Steel Imports Up 14% in July
Aug. 26, 2009 The U.S. imported a total of 985,000 net tons of steel in July 2009, up 14% vs. June 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 July imports included 884,000 net tons of finished steel, reflecting a 9% increase vs. June final data.
On an annualized basis, total steel imports are down 48% vs. 2008, while finished steel imports are down 41%. Annualizing total imports of steel would result in 16.5 million net tons for the full year 2009. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 17% in July, and year-to-date (YTD) through seven months is an estimated 25%.
Key finished steel products with increases in July 2009 compared to June include
- Plates-in-coils (up 63%)
- Reinforcing bars (up 55%)
- Standard pipe (up 36%)
- Hot dipped galvanized sheet and strip (up 21%)
In July, the largest volume of finished imports from offshore was from Japan (87,000 net tons, up 48%). Other major offshore suppliers in July were South Korea (74,000 net tons, up 86%) and India (50,000 net tons, up 51%).
Based on the first seven months of 2009, finished imports from China would annualize at 2.1 million net tons, which would be 56% less than in 2008 but far above any other offshore supplier.
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 30 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 138 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.