Stainless Imports Up 62 Percent in January

Specialty steel imports in January totaled 89,916 tons, a 62.7 percent increase compared to January 2010, according to data from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, Washington, D.C.

U.S. consumption of stainless products was 229,830 tons, a 46.5 percent increase, while one-month import penetration was 39.1 percent, a 3.9 percentage point increase from 2010.

The following data represent January’s U.S. imports and consumption by product line compared to January of 2010: 

• Stainless steel sheet/strip: Imports were 36,026 tons, a 40.1 percent; U.S. consumption was 136,868 tons, a 40.9 percent increase.

• Stainless steel plate: Imports were 14,377 tons, a 131.9 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 31,790 tons, a 59.5 percent increase.

• Stainless steel bar: Imports were 10,188 tons, a 76.1 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 20,854 tons, a 54.9 percent increase.

• Stainless steel rod: Imports were 2,490 tons, a 21.6 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 6,323 tons, a 33.2 percent increase.

• Stainless steel wire: Imports were 3,868 tons, an 8.9 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 4,832 tons, a 4.9 percent increase.

• Alloy tool steel: Imports were 11,576 tons, a 222.6 percent increase; U.S. consumption was not calculable.

• Electrical steel: Imports were 11,391 tons, a 36.1 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 20,781 tons, a 35.6 percent increase.