| Total specialty steel imports of 763,015 tons were up 72.5 percent through the first 11 months of 2010 compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, Washington, D.C. U.S. consumption totaled 1.9 million tons, up 31.7 percent from the previous year, while import penetration was 39.7 percent, up from 30.3 percent. In each product category, the increases in imports were greater than the growth in U.S. consumption. “SSINA is studying import patterns to determine whether unfair trade practices such as dumping and foreign government subsidies are affecting the marketplace,” says Dr. Sunil Widge, chairman of the trade group.
The following data represents imports and U.S. consumption year-to-date through November compared to the same period in 2009:
• Stainless steel sheet/strip: Imports were 350,111 tons, a 78.9 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 1,146,296 tons, a 30.0 percent increase.
• Stainless steel plate: Imports were 88,488 tons, a 100.7 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 242,285 tons, a 45.6 percent increase.
• Stainless steel bar: Imports were 97,153 tons, a 44.1 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 197,942 tons, a 46.8 percent increase.
• Stainless steel rod: Imports were 21,727 tons, a 69.7 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 59,848 tons, an 80.9 percent increase.
• Stainless steel wire: Imports were 40,703 tons, a 43.0 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 52,482 tons, a 36.3 percent increase.
• Alloy tool steel: Imports were 76,938 tons, a 131.7 percent increase; U.S. consumption was not calculable.
• Electrical steel: Imports were 87,896 tons, a 45.0 percent increase; U.S. consumption was 177,077 tons, a 4.8 percent decrease.
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