The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) announced Monday that steel exports increased in August from July by 6.8 percent. AIIS President David Phelps explained that "export tonnages to our NAFTA partners improved in August, although overall demand in the NAFTA region remains modest." Phelps also comments that exports continue to "show strength" compared with the 2009 market.
Total US steel exports in August were 957,289 nt, up from 896,466 in July, a 6.8 percent increase, and up 19.6 percent from August of last year. US exports to Canada in August increased 8.4 percent month-over-month, and increased 31.8 percent from the same time last year.
Exports to Mexico were even higher and grew 17.5 percent month-over-month, and, 41.3 percent year-over-year.
According to year-to-date figures, exports increased 48.3 percent compared to 2009 or from 5.5 million nt in 2009 to 8.1 million nt in 2010.