U.S. steel exports declined 7.2% in June 2012 compared to May 2012, according to government data.

"Softening demand for steel in many of our trading partners’ economies in the second quarter have pushed exports in June down. One bright spot is the resilience so far in the NAFTA markets, which continued to be strong during the month and represent a more current view of NAFTA market demand compared to offshore markets, which reflect demand earlier in the second quarter," said David Phelps, president of the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS).

Steel exports increased 6.9% in June 2012 compared to June 2011 and were 13.6% higher for the year to date period. "While total steel exports are still on track at the half-year mark to post another record year in 2012, slowing economic conditions in the EU, along with Asia and some Western Hemispheric markets give reason for concerns about export order-taking for non-NAFTA markets," concluded Phelps.

Total steel exports in June 2012 were 1.171 million tons compared to 1.263 million tons in May 2012, a 7.2% decrease, and a 6.9% increase compared to June 2011. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased 13.6% compared to 2011 or from 6.408 million tons in 2011 to 7.278 million tons in 2012.