Steel Exports Climb in September

Steel exports increased in September compared to August by 2 percent, according to data from the American Institute for International Steel, Falls Church, Va. Total steel exports in September were 1.21 million tons, up 22.7 percent compared to September 2010.

“While exports decreased to the United State’s largest export market, NAFTA, by 4 percent, that decrease was more than offset by increased exports to Asia and other Western Hemisphere markets during the month,” says David Phelps, AIIS president. “The AIIS views this export activity beyond the traditional NAFTA markets as distinctly positive news for our domestic mill industry and the jobs it provides for American workers.

For the month, increases were registered in exports of hot-rolled, cold-rolled, coiled plate and structural products, while cut-to-length plate and galvanized sheets declined.

Exports increased by 8.9 percent in the nine months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Through the first three quarters, exports totaled almost 9.9 million tons.

“For the nine months of 2011, U.S. exports of steel continue to reflect the improved market conditions over 2010 around the world, notwithstanding the pause experienced in the NAFTA region in late summer. Exports remain a positive for domestic steel producers, trading companies and all involved in the logistics supply chain in the slow growth environment in the U.S.,” says Phelps.