The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) reported Friday that according to preliminary government data, steel imports increased 4.6 percent in January 2013 compared to December 2012.
Total Steel imports in January 2013 were 2.579 million tons compared to 2.466 million tons in December 2012, which represented an 8.4 percent decrease compared to January 2012. The data show that imported semi-finished products decreased by 2.8 percent in January 2013 compared to January 2012, from 487 thousand tons in 2012 to 473 thousand tons in 2013, based on preliminary reporting.
"Import levels improved in January in a normal seasonal rebound from end of the year declines as many consumers and distributors delay purchases to January due to inventory tax costs at the end of December," said David Phelps, president AIIS. "On the other hand, imports remained almost 8.4 percent below January 2012, reflecting the lower levels of demand as a result of uncertainty at the time these imports are ordered caused by concerns related to the then-looming fiscal cliff. The normal first quarter seasonal improvement in demand has apparently delayed as a result."