The United States imported a total of 2,726,000 net tons (NT) of steel in October according to the latest report by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), which is based on preliminary Census Bureau data. The total included 1,995,000 net tons of finished steel.

Total imports were 18% higher than September 2005 imports, while finished steel imports were 9% higher than in September. Specific product lines showing significant increases over the previous month included

• Reinforcing bars, +58%
• Bars – light shapes, +49%
• Hot rolled sheets, +28%
• Line pipe, +26%
• Oil country goods, +13%

Although year-to-date (YTD) total and finished imports are 9% lower and 10% lower than YTD 2004, respectively, they are still 11% and 14% higher than pre-1998 import surge levels. Key products exhibiting large YTD increases include:

• Oil country goods, +57%
• Galvanized electrolytic sheet & strip, +49%
• Cold finished bars, +46%
• Tin plate, +30%
• Cut-to-length plates, +24%
• All other metallic coated sheet & strip, +16%

October 2005 finished imports from Brazil were up substantially (36%) compared to October 2004 as well as YTD (up 10%) and from the Ukraine YTD (up 25%).

U.S. spot prices for hot- and cold-rolled sheet rose 7% and 5% percent in October, respectively, according to data publicly reported by Purchasing Magazine. The October 2004–October 2005 price declines for these products, however, were 25% and 21%, respectively.

"With imports on the rise in the steel sector and an increasingly unsustainable trade deficit affecting all American manufacturers, the upcoming Hong Kong ministerial meeting will be of the utmost importance," said John P. Surma, President and CEO of United States Steel Corp. and Chairman of AISI. “The current direction of WTO trade talks is unacceptable in terms of its likely effect of weakening anti-dumping and anti-subsidy disciplines critical to ensure that imports in this market are fairly traded. There will need to be a radical change in the negotiating dynamic if there is to be any hope of an acceptable agreement."