Stainless Steel Imports, Consumption Up Big
Imports of stainless steel totaled 235,739 tons through May, a 60 percent increase from the first five months of 2009, according to data from the Washington, D.C.-based Specialty Steel Industry of North America. U.S. consumption of 767,491 tons was up 54 percent from 2009, while the five-month import penetration figure was 30.7 percent, up slightly from last year.
The following data shows May year-to-date imports and consumption by specialty steel product line compared to 2009:
• Stainless steel sheet/strip: Imports were 140,490 tons, a 77.8 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 536,917 tons, a 61.8 percent increase.
• Stainless steel plate: Imports were 28,180 tons, a 82.3 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 99,926 tons, a 47.1 percent increase.
• Stainless steel bar: Imports were 39,468 tons, a 9.9 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 83,405 tons, a 22.6 percent increase.
• Stainless steel rod: Imports were 10,105 tons, a 109.8 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 25,605 tons, a 123.1 percent increase.
• Stainless steel wire: Imports were 17,497 tons, a 44.0 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 21,638 tons, a 24.4 percent increase.
• Alloy tool steel: Imports were 27,857 tons, a 54.6 percent increase; U.S. consumption was not calculable.
• Electrical steel: Imports were 38,023 tons, a 5.4 percent decrease; U.S. consumption was 90,399 tons, a 18.0 percent decrease.