Feb. 10, 2006 — Total stainless steel imports into the U.S. grew to 618,838 tons through November 2005, a 3% increase compared to the first eleven months of 2004, according to the latest data released by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). As imports continued to climb, U.S. stainless steel consumption dropped slightly to 2,074,603 tons, an 8% decrease compared to the first eleven months of 2004.

Over the first eleven months, total specialty steel imports (including stainless, alloy tool and electrical steels) grew to 807,460 tons, a 5% increase compared to the comparable 2004 period. Consumption of total specialty steels shrunk slightly to 2,540,997 tons over the same period, a 5% decrease compared to the comparable 2004 period.

Specific product lines experienced both increases and decreases over the first eleven months of 2005 compared to the comparable 2004 period.

Stainless steel sheet/strip imports were 347,285 tons, reflecting a 9% decrease compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 1,488,945 tons, a 10% decrease compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was unchanged at 23%.

Stainless steel plate imports were 76,941 tons, reflecting a 22% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 232,065 tons, a 13% decrease compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 33%, a nine percentage point increase.

Stainless steel bar imports were 115,270 tons, reflecting a 56% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 219,833 tons, a 19% increase compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 52%, a twelve percentage point increase.

Stainless steel rod imports were 38,934 tons, reflecting a 9% decrease compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 63,397 tons, a 5% decrease compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 61%, a three percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel wire imports were 40,409 tons, reflecting a 7% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 70,364 tons, a 7% decrease compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 57%, a seven percentage point increase.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) YTD through November 2005 were 618,838 tons, reflecting a 3% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 2,074,603 tons, an 8% decrease compared to YTD 2004, while eleven-month import penetration was 30%, a three percentage point increase.

Alloy tool steel imports were 111,825 tons, reflecting a 32% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption and import penetration are not calculable.

Electrical steel imports were 76,797 tons, reflecting a 5% decrease compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 373,525 tons, a 3% increase compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 21%, a one percentage point decrease.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) YTD through November 2005 were 807,460 tons, reflecting a 5% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 2,540,997 tons, a 5% decrease compared to YTD 2004, while eleven-month import penetration was 32%, a three percentage point increase.

SSINA is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers. Member companies are: AK Steel Corp., Middletown, Ohio; Allegheny Ludlum Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Allvac, Monroe, N.C. (both Allegheny Technologies companies); Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, Pa.;
Crucible Specialty Metals, Syracuse, N.Y.; Electralloy, Oil City, Pa.; Haynes International Inc., Kokomo, Ind.; ThyssenKrupp Mexinox SA de CV, San Luis Potosi, SLP, Mexico; North American Stainless, Ghent, Ky.; Outokumpu Stainless, Inc., Schaumburg, Ill.; Precision Rolled Products, Inc., Florham Park, N.J.; Special Metals Corp., Huntington, W.Va.; Timken Latrobe Steel, Latrobe, Pa.; Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, Pa.; and Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.