The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) released statistical data Tuesday on imports, US consumption, and import penetration for year-to-date November 2011, indicating major gains from November 2010 and year-to-date through November.
Imports of total stainless steel in year-to-date November 2011 were 937,322tons, a 22.8 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010; US consumption was 2,413,138tons, a 25.4 percent increase; 11-month import penetration was 38.8 percent, a 0.8 percent decrease from 2010.
The following data is presented by specialty steel product line, total stainless steel, and total specialty steel:
- Stainless steel sheet/strip: Imports in year-to-date November 2011 were 369,154 tons, a 5.4 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010; US consumption was 1,449,889 tons, a 26.5 percent increase; 11-month import penetration was 25.5 percent, a 5.0 percent point decrease from 2010.
- Stainless steel plate: Imports in year-to-date November 2011 were 160,335 tons, an 81.2 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010; US consumption was 335,571 tons, a 38.5 percent increase; 11-month import penetration was 47.8 percent, an 11.3 percent increase from 2010.
- Stainless steel bar: Imports in year-to-date November 2011 were 130,473 tons, a 34.1 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010; US consumption was 237,816 tons, a 20.1 percent increase; 11-month import penetration was 54.9 percent, a 5.8 percent increase from 2010.
- Stainless steel rod: Imports in year-to-date November 2011 were 25,452tons, a 17.1 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010; US consumption was 66,799 tons, an 11.6 percent increase; 11-month import penetration was 38.1 percent, a 1.8 percent increase from 2010.
- Stainless steel wire: Imports in year-to-date November 2011 were 43,234 tons, a 6.2 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010; US consumption was 56,500 tons, a 5 percent increase; 11-month import penetration was 76.5 percent, a 0.9 percent increase from 2010.
As for imports of specialty steel products in the US in November:
- Alloy tool steel: Imports in year-to-date November 2011 were 101,770 tons, a 32.3 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010.
- Electrical steel: Imports in year-to-date November 2011 were 106,904 tons, a 21.6 percent increase compared to year-to-date November 2010; US consumption was 212,380 tons, a 19.9 percent increase from year-to-date November 2010; 11-month import penetration was 50.3 percent, a 0.7 percent increase from 2010.