EU steel imports increase in the first seven months of 2003

EU steel imports increase in the first seven months of 2003

According to the latest industry reports, EU imports increased by 20% in the first seven months of 2003 compared with the corresponding period last year while flat product imports rose by 6% and long product imports grew by 29%. EU imported 2.2 million ton per month and exported 1.8 million ton per month, including semis. However, excluding semis, each one amounted to around 1.6 million tons per month. Due to increased volumes in June and July, imports of hot rolled coil were up by 43% in the first seven months. The USA was one of the largest suppliers in June. Poland, Turkey and Czech Republic were the major suppliers of light long products to the EU during the first seven months. Meanwhile, imports of rod, rebar and merchant bar increased pretty good while section imports dropped. In January-July period, flat product exports increased by 11%. EU exports of flat to China were up by 147%, however down by 20% to the US. EU exports of hot rolled coil, heavy and medium plate and coated increased by 28%, 32% and 26% respectively to all countries.