The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) reported Tuesday that international demand for American-made steel strengthened in September, with US steel exports increasing 23.7 percent over August tonnages.
AIIS reported that the US' total steel exports in September 2009 were 990,000 net tons, compared to 800,000 nt in August 2009, a 23.7 percent increase, and a 29 percent decrease when compared to September 2008. Year-to-date, US steel exports decreased 39 percent compared to 2008 or from 10.5 million nt in 2008 to 6.4 million nt in 2009.
"Steel demand strengthened in some developing countries such as Brazil and India and exports to Africa jumped by over 134 percent in the month. The export data reflect the improvements over recent months as economic growth has returned to some countries' economies. With price increases being registered in late summer in the US/Canadian market, exports to Canada also strengthened significantly during the month" said David Phelps, president, AIIS.
"For the year-to-date period, steel exports to Africa were 81 percent over the record year of 2008. Exports to China remained strong, although down for the year, with over 75 percent of the exports in high value alloy and stainless steel products," concluded Phelps.