The Metals Service Center Institute reported Tuesday that US and Canadian steel shipments returned to the year-over-year trend that was experienced earlier this year in contrast to the modest growth displayed last month.
US service center steel shipments in August 2013 decreased by 0.6 percent from August 2012. Steel product inventories decreased 11.3 percent from August a year ago. At the current shipping rate, this represents a decrease of 10.8 percent from a year ago.
Canadian service centers shipments of steel products in August 2013 decreased by 6.8 percent from August 2012. Steel product inventories decreased 14.4 percent from August a year ago. At the current shipping rate, this represents a decrease of 8.2 percent from a year ago.