Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported November imports of steel into the United States were slightly lower than in October — 3,114,000 net tons, including 2,461,000 net tons of finished steel. Although total November imports reflect a decline of 11.7%, and finished imports declined 10.9%, compared to October, year-to-date imports (YTD) remain 52.7% higher in both categories.

The massive YTD gain in finished steel imports is more than three times the 14.3% increase in steel consumption. As a result, finished steel import market share in this period has risen from 15.8% to 20.9%.

Compared to last year, year-to-date imports continue at substantially higher levels in almost all major product lines, including hot-rolled sheet (+83%). U.S. spot prices for hot- and cold-rolled sheet in November went down for the second month in a row, according to public data reported by Purchasing Magazine. The September-November price declines for these products are 6.9% and 4.2%, respectively.

“Steel companies in the United States today are customer-focused, globally competitive and can compete with any firm anywhere — provided it is on the basis of market principles,” David S. Sutherland, President and CEO of Ipsco Inc. and Chairman of AISI, said. “There is a place for fairly traded imports in the U.S. market, but there is zero tolerance for unfair trade. Efficient market-based steel producers in the U.S. and Nafta region are concerned about the recent announcements of massive state-supported steel capacity expansions offshore, and look forward to discussing this issue at next month’s conference at the OECD,” he said.