In a report released Friday, the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) announced that steel exports from the US totaled 1.151 million tons in October, a 5.1 percent decline compared to September totals, according to government data. However, year-on-year export totals in October represented a 15.7 percent increase from October 2010, and cumulative export totals from January through October 2011 (11.023 million tons) increased by 9.6 percent compared to the same period last year.
"The decline in exports was experienced across the board, to all regional markets with the exception of the small African market, as the late summer and early fall doldrums affected international and NAFTA export shipments," said David Phelps, President, AIIS.
"The stronger NAFTA and international markets in 2011 compared to 2010 have continued to draw improved levels of exports of steel mill products from US steel producers into international commerce," Phelps continued. "While most pundits believe that the EU economy will struggle in 2012, with many other international markets showing promise for 2012 we look forward to the New Year with hopeful optimism."