Data released by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) show that stainless steel imports have increased to 600,392 tons through Nov. 2004. The 32% increase in stainless imports (compared to YTD 2003) significantly overshadows the 13% growth in domestic stainless steel consumption over the same period. Total specialty steel imports (including stainless, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) increased by 25% over the same period, nearly double the 13% growth in specialty steel consumption.

Stainless steel sheet/strip imports were 382,680 tons through Nov. 2004, a 37% increase compared to the comparable period in 2003. Consumption was 1,653,727 tons, a 15% increase, while import penetration was 23%, a four percentage point increase.

Stainless steel plate imports were 63,179 tons through Nov. 2004, a 34% increase compared to YTD 2003. Consumption was 265,449 tons, a 2% increase, and import penetration was 24%, a six percentage point increase.

Stainless steel bar imports were 73,886 tons through Nov. 2004, a 17% increase compared to YTD 2003. Consumption was 184,431 tons, a 9% increase; import penetration was 40%, a two percentage point increase.

Stainless steel rod imports were 42,796 tons, a 29% increase compared to YTD 2003. U.S. consumption was 66,756 tons, a 12% increase, and import penetration was 64%, an eight percentage point increase.

Stainless steel wire imports were 37,852 tons through Nov. 2004, a 22% increase. U.S. consumption and import penetration are not calculable.

Total stainless steel (comprising the above product lines) imports were 600,392 tons through Nov. 2004, a 32% increase. U.S. consumption was 2,199,729 tons, a 13% increase, and import penetration was 27%, a four percentage point increase.

Alloy tool steel imports were 84,404 tons through Nov. 2004, a 7% increase compared to YTD 2003. U.S. consumption and import penetration are not calculable.

Electrical steel imports were 80,967 tons through Nov. 2004, a 4% increase compared to the comparable period in 2003. U.S. consumption was flat at 362,042 tons, and import penetration was 22%, a one percentage point increase.

Imports of total specialty steel (stainless steel, alloy tool steel, and electrical steel) were 765,763 tons through Nov. 2004, a 25% increase compared to YTD 2003. U.S. consumption was 2,627,208 tons, a 10% increase; and import penetration was 29%, a three percentage point increase.

SSINA is a Washington, D.C, based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty steel producers. David A. Hartquist, an international trade attorney with the Washington, DC law firm Collier Shannon Scott, PLLC, serves as lead counsel to SSINA.