The American Institute for International Steel reported Tuesday that US steel exports increased 10.5 percent in January 2014 compared to December 2013, but were down 10.6 percent compared to January 2013, according to US government data.
“The stronger showing in January over December is due to improved export tonnages to our NAFTA partners,” said AIIS Executive Director Richard Chriss. “With the exception of exports to the EU, the other smaller export markets posted another negative month. While the improvement in exports in January is a positive sign, the comparison with January 2013 is not encouraging--exports declined to all our regional markets, including NAFTA. With the US steel market starting 2014 on a stronger note compared to 2013, the condition of the international markets early in 2014 appears not to be as positive, at least at this point in time. Some of the decline compared to 2013 could have been due to weather-related logistics difficulties.”
Total steel exports in January 2014 were 963,000 tons compared to 871,000 tons in December 2013, a 10.5 percent increase, and a 10.6 percent decrease compared to January 2013.