Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that May imports of steel into the United States were 4% higher than in April, with finished steel imports down 6% compared to April. Year-to-date (YTD) total and finished steel imports are up 16% and 14%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Products with large increases in May compared to April include:

• Cold rolled sheets, +82%.
• Tin plate, +74%.
• Semi-finished steel, used in significant quantity by converters, +52%.
• Structural shapes 3 inches & over, +39%.
• Line pipe, +24%.

Products with substantial increases YTD versus 2003 include:

• Concrete reinforcing bars and rods, +109%.
• Wire rods, +67%.
• OCTG, +43%.
• Light shape bars, +37%.
• Standard rails, +35%.
• Drawn and/or rolled wire, +33%.
• Semi-finished steel, +27%.
• Structural shapes 3 inches & over, +20%.

“These new import figures again underscore the need for a comprehensive steel import monitoring and licensing system. The dramatic shifts in global steel market conditions of the past six months illustrate the importance of an ongoing system that provides timely and accurate information to all interested parties. I commend Congressmen English and Visclosky for introducing H.R. 4730 last Friday ‘to maintain and expand the steel import licensing and monitoring program,’” stated AISI Chairman David S. Sutherland, President and CEO of Ipsco Inc.

AISI president and CEO Andrew G. Sharkey III added that, “I urge Members of Congress to join Congressmen English and Visclosky in their effort to extend and expand the current steel import monitoring and licensing program. The legislation will make the system permanent, require data be reported at the 10-digit level and monitor the most important iron and steel products from chapters 72 and 73 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule – all critical elements of an effective monitoring system. It is the industry’s hope that the Administration will fulfill its commitment and act as the bill suggests.”