The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) reported that US steel exports increased 8.2 percent in May over April 2012 according to government data. Further, exports climbed 14.9 percent in the first five months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. Total steel exports in May 2012 were 1.26 million tons compared to 1.16 million tons in April 2012, an 8.2 percent increase, and a 10.4 percent increase compared to May 2011. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased from 5.31 million tons in 2011 to 6.11 million tons in 2012.
Dave Phelps, president of the AIIS, commented that "steel exports to the NAFTA, other Western Hemisphere countries and the EU increased in May, while exports to Asia declined. Given economic conditions in the EU, it is difficult to expect that exports will continue to increase to the EU, but we remain hopeful that economic growth in the Western Hemisphere will continue to support growth in exports going forward."
"Exports so far in 2012 are still on a record-setting pace, eclipsing the record year of 2008. With the exception of the Asian market, US exports of steel mill products are up in all other international market in 2012. While we are concerned about economic headwinds affecting export sales later in 2012, the competiveness of US made steel in international markets remains strong even in these uncertain times," concluded Phelps.