Imports of stainless steel sheet/strip in January 2010 were 25,724 tons, a 27.6% increase compared to January 2009, according to the latest statistical data released by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). U.S. consumption was 97,156 tons, a 40.3% increase, and one-month import penetration was 26.5%, a 2.6% decrease from 2009.
Stainless steel plate imports in January were 6199 tons, a 26.9% increase compared to a year ago. U.S. consumption was up by 55.5% to 19,925 tons, and one-month import penetration was 31.1%, down 7.0% from 2009.
Imports of stainless steel bar were 5786 tons in January, a 26.8% decrease compared to last January, while U.S. consumption was down by 9.5% to 13,466 tons. One-month import penetration was 43.0%, a 10.2% decrease from a year ago.
Stainless steel rod imports in January were 2047 tons, a 64.1% increase; U.S. consumption was 4746 tons, a 100.7% increase; and one-month import penetration was 43.1%, a 9.7% decrease from 2009.
Stainless steel wire imports were 3552 tons, up 23.3% compared to January 2009, while U.S. consumption was up by 10.2% to 4499 tons. Import penetration was 79.0%, an 8.5% increase from 2009.
Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) in January were
43,309 tons, a 16.8% increase compared to a year ago. U.S. consumption was 139,792 tons, an increase of 35.2%, and one-month import penetration was 31.0%, down 4.9% from 2009.
Imports of alloy tool steel in January were 3588 tons, a 30.8% decrease compared to last year; U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.
Imports of electrical steel were 8369 tons, down 2.0% compared to January 2009. U.S. consumption was 15,324 tons, a 42.6% decrease, and import penetration was 54.6%, a 22.6% increase from 2009.
Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel, and electrical steel) were 55,266 tons, an 8.8% increase compared to January 2009, while U.S. consumption was up by 16.9% to 156,818 tons. One-month import penetration was 35.2%, a 2.7% decrease from 2009.
Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing specialty metals producers, which include high technology, high value stainless, and other specialty alloy products.
SSINA member companies include:
- ATI Allegheny Ludlum, Pittsburgh, Pa.
- ATI Allvac, Monroe, N.C.
- Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, Pa.
- Electralloy, Oil City, Pa.
- North American Stainless, Ghent, Ky.
- Outokumpu Stainless, Inc., Schaumburg, Ill.
- Latrobe Specialty Steel Co., Latrobe, Pa.
- Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, Pa.
- Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.