AIIS: End of 2013 'Disappointing' for U.S. Steel Exports
02/18/2014 - U.S. steel exports declined in December 2013 from November 2013 by 7.2%, and were down 10.1% compared to December 2012, according to data analyzed by the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS).
“The end of 2013 for U.S. steel exports was disappointing, as NAFTA exports led the fall, accounting for 84% of the reduction for the month. The smaller non-NAFTA Western Hemisphere exports likewise declined month on month by 14.3%, and exports to the EU also declined. Exports to Asia posted a small increase month on month. It is clear that steel demand in December in the NAFTA region softened even more than it did in the weak December market at the end of 2012. We are hopeful that exports to our NAFTA partners will improve substantially, in line with the strengthening U.S. market in early 2014,” said Richard Chriss, AIIS executive director.
For the full year 2013, exports declined by 7.7% from the record-setting year of 2012. “American made steel exports set a record in 2012, after just missing in 2011, but with the slow start to the year in 2013, the NAFTA market — which represents around three-quarters of total exports — never recovered, and exports in 2013 declined. We are especially disappointed by the nearly 31% decline in exports to what had been an important and growing market for American-made steel, the non-NAFTA Western Hemisphere market. The U.S. market is starting 2014 on a stronger trend line, and we are cautiously optimistic that exports to our NAFTA partners will also recover,” concluded Chriss.
Total steel exports in December 2013 were 871,384 tons compared to 939,185 tons in November 2013, a 7.2% decrease, and a 10.1% decrease compared to December 2012. According to year-to-date figures, exports decreased 7.7% compared to 2012, or from 13.745 million tons in 2012 to 12.682 million tons in 2013.
The American Institute for International Steel is the only steel-related association that supports free trade. The Institute accomplishes its mission through advocacy, networking, communications, and education.
For the full year 2013, exports declined by 7.7% from the record-setting year of 2012. “American made steel exports set a record in 2012, after just missing in 2011, but with the slow start to the year in 2013, the NAFTA market — which represents around three-quarters of total exports — never recovered, and exports in 2013 declined. We are especially disappointed by the nearly 31% decline in exports to what had been an important and growing market for American-made steel, the non-NAFTA Western Hemisphere market. The U.S. market is starting 2014 on a stronger trend line, and we are cautiously optimistic that exports to our NAFTA partners will also recover,” concluded Chriss.
Total steel exports in December 2013 were 871,384 tons compared to 939,185 tons in November 2013, a 7.2% decrease, and a 10.1% decrease compared to December 2012. According to year-to-date figures, exports decreased 7.7% compared to 2012, or from 13.745 million tons in 2012 to 12.682 million tons in 2013.
The American Institute for International Steel is the only steel-related association that supports free trade. The Institute accomplishes its mission through advocacy, networking, communications, and education.
