The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) reported that according to government statistics, US steel exports declined in April compared to March by 3.1 percent, representing the third consecutive monthly decline. "The decline in exports in April was driven by a 9 percent drop in exports to our NAFTA partners as NAFTA markets stalled. Exports to Asia and the rest of the Western Hemisphere increased, offsetting a significant portion of that decline. While exports to the important growing Brazilian economy dropped by over 60 percent in the month, exports of semi-finished products to the Dominican Republic more than offset that decline, and in Asia, India and China posted good gains," said David Phelps, president, AIIS.
Total Steel exports in April 2012 were 1.167 million tons compared to 1.204 million tons in March 2012, a 3.1 percent decrease, but a 13.6 percent increase compared to April 2011. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased 16.2 percent compared to 2011 or from 4.169 million tons in 2011 to 4.844 million tons in 2012.
For the year-to-date period, total steel exports increased by 16.2 percent in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. "Improved economic conditions in 2012 compared to 2011 are reflected in the increase in exports of American made steel around the world, with only the EU posting a decline in the first four months of 2012 compared to four months of 2011. There are clearly concerns about worldwide economic conditions at this time--even in the fast growing developing economies--and with our largest export market by far, NAFTA, slowing, there are some doubts about exports in the near term. As with many watching economic conditions worldwide, we are concerned about the EU's economic difficulties spreading," concluded Phelps.