AIIS: U.S. Imports Jump on Improved Pricing, Strong Start to 2014
03/05/2014 - U.S. steel imports increased in January compared to December by 26.5%, according to preliminary U.S. government data analyzed by the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS).
“As we had expected for a couple of months, steel imports improved in January on the strength of improved pricing in the 4th quarter — especially for flat rolled products,“ said Richard Chriss, AIIS executive director. “We noted previously in our newsletter that 2014 was beginning on a positive note, in contrast to the disappointing start to 2013, as both domestic and import suppliers to the market have enjoyed a more normal positive seasonal start in 2014. The strong showing in January 2014 compared to imports in January 2013 confirms that. Products that increased this January included semi-finished steel products imports by domestic mills, flat rolled, and OCTG. It is fairly normal for OCTG arrivals to increase early in the year as consumers and distributors replenish inventories after reducing them in order to lower Texas’s 31 December inventory tax. Naturally, the trade cases being processed at the Commerce Department, and the then-impending suspension of liquidation until the cases are resolved, increased arrivals as well. Whether the improved market conditions can be sustained is open to question, as recent softness has appeared in some product lines,” Chriss commented.
Total steel imports in January 2014 were 3.172 million tons compared to 2.507 million tons in December 2013, a 26.5% increase, and a 21.1% increase compared to January 2013. The data show that imported semi-finished products increased by 61.1% in January 2014 compared to January 2013, from 474 thousand tons in 2013 to 763 thousand tons in 2014, based on preliminary reporting.
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.
Total steel imports in January 2014 were 3.172 million tons compared to 2.507 million tons in December 2013, a 26.5% increase, and a 21.1% increase compared to January 2013. The data show that imported semi-finished products increased by 61.1% in January 2014 compared to January 2013, from 474 thousand tons in 2013 to 763 thousand tons in 2014, based on preliminary reporting.
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.
