US December rebar imports up 168 percent over November

According to the data released by the US International Trade Commission (ITC), US rebar imports in December 2009 rose 58.06 percent year on year to 19,612 metric tons, while an increase of 167.78 percent was registered compared to November. Meanwhile, the total value of these imports amounted to $9.4 million, increasing by 161.5 percent month on month and down 2.65 percent compared to December 2008.
 
In December, Mexico was the largest rebar exporter to the US market with 12,695 metric tons. Mexico was followed by Turkey, with 5,206 metric tons, and by the Dominican Republic with 1,554 metric tons.
 
In December, the average import price of rebar in the US amounted to $479/mt, down $11.5/mt or 2.35 percent from November levels, and indicating a decrease of $299/mt or 38.41 percent from $778/mt in December 2008.
 
On the other hand, in 2009, US rebar imports totaled 375,320 metric tons, decreasing by 57 percent, while the value of these imports amounted to $223.08 million, down 67.82 percent, both compared to 2008.
 
In 2009, 49.25 percent of US rebar imports were from Mexico, while 41.36 percent of total rebar imports came from Turkey.