US stainless steel imports and consumption swell in September

The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) released statistical data on imports, US consumption, and import penetration for year-to-date September 2011 on Tuesday, indicating major gains from September 2010 and year-to-date through September.

Imports of total stainless steel in year-to-date September 2011 were 606,917 tons, a 30.9 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010; US consumption was 1,779,282 tons, a 31.8 percent increase; nine month import penetration was 34.1 percent, a 0.3 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 September 2011 were 313,342 tons, a 12.9 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010; US consumption was 1,211,765 tons, a 31.7 percent increase; nine month import penetration was 25.9 percent, a 4.3 percent point decrease from 2010.
• Stainless steel plate: Imports in year-to-date September 2011 were 129,740 tons, a 118 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010; US consumption was 270,663 tons, a 50.2 percent increase; nine month import penetration was 47.9 percent, an 14.9 percent increase from 2010.
• Stainless steel bar: Imports in year-to-date September 2011 were 107,671 tons, a 41.1 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010; US consumption was 198,494 tons, a 25.5 percent increase; nine month import penetration was 54.2 percent, a 5.9 percent increase from 2010.
• Stainless steel rod: Imports in year-to-date September 2011 were 20,984 tons, a 17.8 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010; US consumption was 55,964 tons, a 14 percent increase; nine month import penetration was 37.5 percent, a 1.2 percent increase from 2010. 
• Stainless steel wire: Imports in year-to-date September 2011 were 35,180 tons, a 8.2 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010; US consumption was 42,397 tons, a 0.2 percent decrease; nine month import penetration was 83.0 percent, a 6.5 percent increase from 2010.

  
As for imports of specialty steel products in the US in September:       

• Alloy tool steel: Imports in year-to-date September 2011 were 81,712 tons, a 38.4 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010.
• Electrical steel: Imports in year-to-date September 2011 were 84,508 tons, a 20.1 percent increase compared to year-to-date September 2010; US consumption was 168,937 tons, a 17.1 percent increase from year-to-date September 2010; nine month import penetration was 50.0 percent, a 1.2 percent increase from 2010.