Stainless Imports Up 70% Through September
Imports of specialty steel totaled 593,200 tons through the first nine months of 2010, a 69.9 percent increase compared to 2009, according to the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, Washington, D.C. U.S. consumption of specialty products totaled 1,523,528 tons for the year to date through September, a 30.4 percent increase. Import penetration was 38.9 percent, up 9.0 percent from 2009.
Following is year-to-date data by specialty steel product line:
Stainless steel sheet/strip: Imports were 277,635 tons, an 83.6 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 920,230 tons, a 32.4 percent increase.
Stainless steel plate: Imports were 59,507 tons, a 98.8 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 180,216 tons, a 37.6 percent increase.
Stainless steel bar: Imports were 76,326 tons, a 36.7 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 158,145 tons, a 42.5 percent increase.
Stainless steel rod: Imports were 17,813 tons, an 88.4 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 49,077 tons, a 93.4 percent increase.
Stainless steel wire: Imports were 32,502 tons, a 45.8 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 35,884 tons, a 16.0 percent increase.
Alloy tool steel: Imports were 59,054 tons, a 119.9 percent increase; U.S. consumption was not calculable.
Electrical steel: Imports were 70,363 tons, a 31.4 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 144,247 tons, an 8.8 percent decrease.