According to the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS), US steel exports declined by 10.2 percent in February compared to January based on government reporting. "Both the short month and difficult weather conditions could be the primary explanation for at least some of the decline, as market conditions remain stable in most exports markets at this time," said David Phelps, President of AIIS. "Moreover, exports in February were 6.8 percent higher than in February 2010, consistent with market trends in the US and our trading partners."
"Exports in the first two months of 2011 were 9.2 percent higher than the first two months of 2010, indicating the continued improvement in economic conditions in most countries as the world works its way out of the global recession of 2008-2009," concluded Phelps.
Total steel exports in February 2011 were 951,000 net tons (nt) compared to 1.06 million nt in January 2011, a 10.2 percent decrease, and a 6.8 percent increase compared to February 2010. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased 9.2 percent compared to 2010 or from 1.84 million nt in 2010 to 2.01 million nt in 2010.