Stainless Imports Up 39 Percent Through June
Imports of total stainless steel through the first six months of the year were 39.2 percent ahead of the year-to-date 2010 figures, according to the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, Washington, D.C. The U.S. imported 406,269 tons of specialty steel through June. U.S. consumption was 1,219,207 tons, a 34.6 percent increase, while six-month import penetration was 33.3 percent, a 1.1 percentage point increase.
The following data represent imports and consumption by total specialty steel product through June compared to the first six months of 2010:
• Stainless steel sheet/strip: Imports were 210,847 tons, a 20.7 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 836,401 tons, a 32.5 percent increase.
• Stainless steel plate: Imports were 82,958 tons, a 136.0 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 175,428 tons, a 53.9 percent increase.
• Stainless steel bar: Imports were 73,149 tons, a 49.3 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 137,268 tons, a 34.6 percent increase.
• Stainless steel rod: Imports were 15,509 tons, a 32.8 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 41,613 tons, a 36.5 percent increase.
• Stainless steel wire: Imports were 23,806 tons, a 11.9 percent; U.S. consumption was 28,496 tons, a 1.5 percent increase.
• Alloy tool steel: Imports were 53,055 tons, a 52.4 percent increase; U.S. consumption was not calculable.
• Electrical steel: Imports were 55,031 tons, a 21.7 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 86,932 tons, a 17.0 percent decrease.