The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported Tuesday that, according to preliminary Census Bureau data, the US recorded a 23 percent increase in total steel imports and a 25 percent increase in finished steel imports in September from final August census data.
Total steel imports in September were 1.20 million nt and finished steel imports were 1.02 million nt, both of which were the highest monthly totals since April. However, total and finished steel imports on an annualized basis are still down 51 percent and 45 percent respectively from 2008. Furthermore, September 2009 total steel imports were less than half of their year-ago total; the US imported 2.95 million nt of steel in September 2008 (based on final census data).
Census Bureau data released October 27 shows that the September change in steel import tonnage compared to August reflects an increase primarily in blooms, billets and slabs, primarily with Canada.
AISI noted that the largest volumes of finished steel imports from offshore sources to the US in September were from South Korea, at 64,000 nt (which is down 26 percent from August); Japan, at 51,000 nt (up 51 percent from August); Brazil, at 43,000 nt, (up 17 percent); Taiwan, at 42,000 nt (up 171 percent); and China, at 42,000 nt, (up 33 percent). AISI said that finished steel imports from China based on September annualize at 1.7 million nt, which would be the highest of any offshore source, although also a 64 percent decrease from 2008.
Finished steel product imports which increased the most in September from August include line pipe (up 99 percent); oil country tubular goods (up 76 percent); cut-to-length plates; (up 52 percent); heavy structural shapes (up 45 percent); hot dipped galvanized sheets (up 43 percent); and hot rolled sheets (up 22 percent).